UAE Issues A New Trade Mark Law

The definition of a trade mark has been expanded. It now provides more explanations around non-conventional and geographical trade marks. Applications can now be filed for voice/sound, smell and 3D/hologram trade marks. Multi-class filings will also be possible with the new trade mark law, as the UAE has operated a single class filing system for many years.

Cancellation actions will be filed with the Trade Mark Committee, as opposed to the Courts, which will be headed by a member of the judiciary. Cancellations for bad faith registrations are now permitted after the expiration of five years.

With regard to licences, it is no longer compulsory to register a Trade Mark Licence on the Trade Mark Register to be enforceable.