Theft is an unpleasant experience for anyone; you can feel invaded and insecure for a short or even a long period after the event.
If this has ever happened to you, you have probably taken measures to prevent such a misfortune in the future – being more mindful about personal security and arranging good insurance cover, for example. However, the type of theft that many people never think to protect themselves from is theft of intellectual property.
If you want to protect your brand or ideas from being subject to exploitative thieves, you should consider registering a trademark that can then be applied to any of your goods or brands, giving you security that your ideas will be safeguarded and any rightful profits will come to you.
Registering a trademark means you have the exclusive right to use a brand or product developed by you, but you also have the right to license others to use your trademark in a contractual relationship. It protects you from any competitors trying to imitate your products or brand and you can take legal action against anyone who you feel has breached your exclusive right to your intellectual property.
What’s more is when others see a registered trademark on any of your goods or branding, they will be disinclined to even think about creating a similar copy. Trademarks can be a very powerful prevention against potential intellectual property theft, one that might save you time and money in legal wrangles.
HOW DO I REGISTER A TRADEMARK IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES?
The following documents and information must be provided when you apply for a trademark:
- Full name and address;
- Power of Attorney, if applicable
- Trademark logo
- Description of object or design
- Copy of trade license
- Copy of applicant’s passport
STEPS TO TRADEMARK REGISTRATION:
- Filing application
Once you appoint us to look after the Trade Mark registration process, we will take care of all governmental processes.
- ‘Object Search’
We will search the database to ensure the targeted trademark does not already exist.
- Search results provided to government
The Search feedback will be obtained by the Government body, indicating a result that is:
- Negative: Meaning that the trademark is not yet registered by anyone.
- Positive: Meaning that it is already registered.
- Submission of all documentation requested
Our firm will then submit on your behalf all further documents for your trademark registration.
- Document review
Government authorities will review all documents provided to ensure nothing is missing and the process is in full compliance.
- Approval
The approval is expected within 6 to 9 month from the day of depositing the required documents. Once this has occurred you must make a payment for the registration process. There is then a one-month window for any other parties to appeal against the trademark approval.