Many business owners in Dubai and across the UAE believe that their trademark name must be exactly the same as their trade license name.

This is not always true.

In the UAE, you can register a brand name or logo mark for trademark protection, even if it is different from your official trade license name — provided certain legal conditions are met.

Let’s clarify this with frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions – Trademark Registration in UAE & Dubai

❓ Can I Register a Brand Name That Is Different from My Trade License Name?

Yes.

In the UAE, the trade license name and trademark name do not have to be identical.

For example:

• Trade License Name: Nour Al Mushka Cafeteria

• Brand Name Used Publicly: Mishkaki

The license holder can apply for trademark registration for “Mishkaki” (including its logo mark) under the relevant class.

What matters is:

• The applicant must be the legal license holder

• The trademark must not conflict with existing registered marks

• The class selected must match the business activity

The UAE Ministry of Economy reviews the trademark based on availability and compliance — not on exact license name matching.

❓ What Is the Difference Between Trade Name and Trademark in UAE?

Trade Name

• Registered under the business license

• Used for legal and administrative purposes

Trademark

• Protects brand identity (name, logo, symbol, slogan)

• Protects market identity

• Prevents misuse by competitors

A company can legally operate under a trade license name but promote and protect a different brand name through trademark registration.

❓ Can I Trademark a Logo Instead of Just a Name?

Yes.

In the UAE, you can register:

• Word mark (brand name only)

• Logo mark

• Combined mark (name + logo)

• Symbol mark

• Tagline (if distinctive)

Many businesses prefer registering the logo mark with brand name for stronger protection.

❓ Does My Business Activity Affect Trademark Class?

Yes.

Trademark registration in UAE follows the Nice Classification System, which divides goods and services into classes.

For example:

• Cafeterias & Restaurants → Class 43

• Clothing → Class 25

• Advertising & Marketing → Class 35

Selecting the correct class is crucial for approval.

❓ What Happens If My Brand Name Is Not in My License?

You can still register the trademark if:

• You are the legal license holder

• The trademark is not already registered by someone else

• The mark is distinctive and not descriptive

Trademark protection focuses on brand uniqueness — not trade license naming structure.

❓ How Long Does Trademark Registration Take in UAE?

Typically:

1. Application Submission

2. Examination by Ministry

3. Publication in Official Gazette

4. 30-day opposition period

5. Final registration certificate

The full process may take several months, depending on approvals and objections.

❓ Is Trademark Registration Mandatory in UAE?

It is not mandatory — but it is highly recommended.

Without trademark protection:

• Others may register your brand name

• You may face legal disputes

• Brand misuse can occur

• Long-term brand value is unprotected

Trademark registration secures your business identity.

❓ Can I Register a Trademark in Dubai Only?

No.

Trademark registration in UAE is federal.
Once registered, it is protected across all emirates:

• Dubai

• Abu Dhabi

• Sharjah

• Ajman

• Ras Al Khaimah

• Fujairah

• Umm Al Quwain

Why Trademark Registration Is Important for Businesses in Dubai & UAE

Dubai’s business environment is highly competitive. Strong brand protection:

• Builds trust

• Prevents imitation

• Increases company valuation

• Secures long-term identity

Especially for restaurants, retail brands, tech startups, and service companies — protecting your public-facing brand name is essential.

Example Scenario (Explained Simply)

A cafeteria licensed as:

Nour Al Mushka Cafeteria

Markets itself publicly as:

Mishkaki

The owner can apply for trademark registration of:

“Mishkaki” (with its logo mark)

As long as:

• The applicant is the license holder

• The mark is available

• The correct class is selected

And once approved, the trademark becomes legally protected — even though the trade license name is different.

Trademark Registration Services in Dubai & UAE

At nKonnect, we provide professional trademark registration support in Dubai and across the UAE, including:

• Trademark availability search

• Class selection guidance

• Application filing

• Ministry coordination

• Publication process

• Final certificate assistance

We also support businesses with:

• Logo design

• Branding

• Company profile design

• Printing services

• NFC digital business cards

• Google Review NFC cards

Our goal is to help businesses not only build brands — but legally protect them.

📞 Contact: 050 157 9600
🌐 Website: https://www.nkonnect.me

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