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ARTICLE · 07 FEBRUARY 2022

UAE Accedes To The Madrid Protocol & Nice Classification

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As of 28 December 2021, the UAE became the 109th Member State of the Madrid Protocol, and the third Gulf Cooperation Council country to become a member (following Bahrain and Oman).

United Arab EmiratesIntellectual Property
Jon Parker
Jon Parker
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As of 28 December 2021, the UAE became the 109th Member State of the Madrid Protocol, and the third Gulf Cooperation Council country to become a member (following Bahrain and Oman).

On 8 December 2021, the UAE issued a Federal Decree in which it acceded to the Nice Agreement concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks ("The Nice Classification"). This came into effect on the date of issue.

Accession to the Madrid Protocol

The UAE joining the Madrid Protocol is fantastic news for international brand owners, and even more so for UAE brand owners. It provides a further alternative for protecting trademarks overseas, which could lead to significant cost savings. It may also provide an opportunity for brand owners that have a real and effective presence in the UAE, an ability to use the system.

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