Is it important to get your trademark registered

1. Is it important to get your trademark registered? Trademark is a name, short slogan or a logo that gives a unique identity to a company’s goods and services and distinguishes them from the rest of the businesses in the market. Trademark registration provides sure shot protection for your investments and efforts from unethical copycats. Thus, it is critical for protecting your brand. Trademark Laws in UAE In UAE, the Federal Trademark Law No. 37 of 1992 (amended by the Federal Law No. 8 of 2002) safeguards the registered trademarks. The main areas covered by the Trademark Laws in the UAE are as follows:        Eligibility and ineligibility of signs for registration as a trademark Meaning of trademark Procedures of registration and cancellation of trademarks Transfer of trademark ownership Giving license to others for using the trademarks Penalties for infringement of trademark laws Trademark class system in UAE In UAE, trademark registration takes place under a class system. Different goods and services are covered under each trademark class. Out of 45 international trademark classes, only 44 classes are available for trademark registration in UAE. Each class requires a separate registration application. Selecting the right class for the protection of your goods and services is necessary to avoid unwanted costs. Where should you file your application for registration in UAE? The application for trademark registration in UAE is filed at the Trademark Section of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. In addition to this initial registration, you should also register your trademark at UAE Customs. The customs authorities will then be able to file and archive the data related to your trademark and detect any trademark counterfeit. Which types of trademarks can you register in UAE? Words, names, slogans, sounds, devices, colors, holograms, collective marks, service marks, trade dress/get-up, motion, certain 3-D shapes, certification marks, etc. can be registered as trademarks in UAE.

2. Importance of trademark search in UAE It is highly recommended to conduct a trademark search at the Trademark Registry before the filing of a formal trademark application in UAE, as it helps you in finding out whether someone else already owns the rights of your proposed trademark or not. This step helps you in determining the chances of the success of your application. Validity of trademark registration in UAE In UAE, trademark registration is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed further after every 10 years.