Quick Answer: To check trademark registration in UAE, search the Ministry of Economy (MOE) portal at moec.gov.ae or the WIPO Global Brand Database at branddb.wipo.int. Both tools are free. You can search by brand name, trademark class, or application number. Always check before filing to avoid rejection, brand infringement disputes, and costly rebranding.
Before you invest in a brand name, logo, or slogan, there is one step you cannot afford to skip: checking whether it is already taken.
Trademark registration in UAE is governed by the Ministry of Economy (MOE), and conducting a proper availability search before filing protects you from rejection, costly rebranding, and brand infringement disputes.
This guide shows you exactly how to check trademark availability and registration status in 2026.
Why This Search Matters
Intellectual property UAE law operates on a first-to-register basis. If someone else registers your brand name before you do, they own the exclusive rights to it. Beyond losing the name, you also risk brand infringement claims that could force you to rebrand entirely.
A proper availability search tells you three things before you file:
- Whether your brand name is already registered or pending
- Which trademark class your goods or services fall under
- Whether any similar marks could conflict with yours and trigger a brand infringement dispute
Skipping this step is one of the most expensive mistakes a business owner can make in the UAE.
Understanding Trademark Class
The UAE follows the Nice Classification system, dividing all goods and services into 45 trademark classes.
Your intellectual property UAE protection only covers the class or classes under which you register. A brand registered under Class 25 (clothing) does not protect you in Class 35 (retail services).
Selecting the correct trademark class before filing is essential. Misclassification leads to gaps in your brand protection Dubai coverage and can leave your business exposed to brand infringement in sectors you thought were covered.
Method 1: Checking Trademark Registration in UAE via the MOE Portal
The Ministry of Economy portal is the official, most authoritative source for trademark searches in the UAE.
How to Use It
Step 1: Visit moec.gov.ae and navigate to the trademark services section. Log in with your UAE Pass for full access.
Step 2: Select the trademark search function. You can search by brand name, application number, trademark certificate number, applicant name, or trademark class.
Step 3: Enter your brand name and search multiple variations, including phonetic similarities and alternative spellings. Intellectual property UAE disputes frequently involve marks that are similar rather than identical.
Step 4: Filter results by the relevant trademark class to identify marks that could realistically conflict with yours.
Step 5: Review each result. The portal displays the mark, its trademark class, current status, owner details, registration date, and whether a trademark certificate has been issued.
Understanding the Status Results
Status | What It Means |
Registered | Active and protected. Filing a similar mark in the same class carries high risk |
Pending | Application under examination. Proceed with caution |
Expired | No longer protected but may be in a renewal grace period |
Rejected | Refused registration. Name may still be available depending on the reason |
Abandoned | Application withdrawn. Verify availability thoroughly before filing |
Method 2: Checking Brand Availability via the WIPO Global Brand Database
For businesses with regional or international ambitions, the WIPO Global Brand Database is an essential complementary tool.
Maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization, it covers trademark records from over 70 countries including the UAE, EU, US, and GCC markets. It is free to use and requires no account for basic searches.
How to Use It
Step 1: Visit branddb.wipo.int. No login is required for standard searches.
Step 2: Enter your brand name in the search bar. By default, the database searches across all participating jurisdictions simultaneously.
Step 3: Apply the jurisdiction filter and select “United Arab Emirates” to focus specifically on trademark registration in UAE. You can also select multiple countries if you are planning broader brand protection Dubai coverage across the region.
Step 4: Filter by trademark class using the Nice Classification system to narrow results to your specific industry.
Step 5: Review results. The database displays the mark, jurisdiction, trademark class, status, owner details, and registration dates. For logo trademarks, use the image search feature which applies the Vienna Classification to find visually similar figurative marks.
MOE Portal vs. WIPO Global Brand Database
Feature | MOE Portal | WIPO Global Brand Database |
Official UAE Records | Yes, authoritative | Yes, sourced from MOE |
International Coverage | UAE only | 70 plus countries |
Logo Search | Limited | Advanced image search |
Best For | UAE-only filings | International brand protection Dubai strategy |
Quickplus recommends running searches on both platforms before filing. The MOE portal gives you the most current UAE picture, while WIPO reveals international marks that may also carry protection in the UAE.
How to Track an Existing Trademark Application Status
If you have already filed and want to monitor progress, the MOE portal allows real-time status tracking.
Log in at moec.gov.ae, navigate to your applications, and enter your reference number. Applications move through the following stages: Filed, Under Examination, Accepted for Publication, Opposition Period, Approved for Registration, and finally, Trademark Certificate Issued.
The trademark certificate is the formal confirmation that your intellectual property UAE rights are fully established. It is valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely.
The Role of a Registered Agent
A registered agent is a licensed professional authorized to file trademark applications and represent applicants before the MOE. Foreign applicants are legally required to appoint one. UAE-based businesses are not obligated to do so, but working through a registered agent offers clear advantages:
- Accurate trademark class selection to maximize brand protection Dubai coverage
- Professionally prepared applications that reduce rejection risk
- Monitoring for opposition filings against your mark
- Handling brand infringement disputes and MOE correspondence
Quickplus acts as a registered agent for trademark registration in UAE, giving businesses access to experienced intellectual property UAE professionals without the cost of a specialist law firm.
What to Do If Your Brand Is Being Infringed
If another business is using your registered trademark without permission, that is brand infringement under UAE law. Act quickly:
A valid trademark certificate significantly strengthens your legal position in any brand infringement dispute. Without registration, enforcing your rights becomes considerably harder.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your brand in the UAE starts with a thorough availability search, not after filing.
Using both the Ministry of Economy portal and the WIPO Global Brand Database, selecting the right trademark class, and working with a registered agent gives your brand the strongest possible foundation in the UAE market.
Quickplus Business Consultants handle the full trademark registration in UAE process, from availability searches and application filing to trademark certificate renewal and brand infringement advice.
