In today’s competitive business landscape, protecting your brand identity is more critical than ever. For businesses operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), renew trademark is a vital step to safeguard your intellectual property and maintain your market presence. A trademark is not just a logo or a name; it represents your brand’s reputation, customer trust, and legal rights. Failing to renew trademark can lead to loss of exclusivity, legal disputes, and potential brand theft. This comprehensive 3000-word guide explores the importance of renewing trademark processes, the steps involved, the required documents, fees, timelines, consequences of missing deadlines, and how iLAW, led by expert Ibrahim Al-Husani, can assist you in securing your brand identity effortlessly.
Why Trademark Renewal Is Crucial for Your Business in the UAE
A trademark is an asset that distinguishes your goods or services from competitors. In the UAE, where the economy thrives on innovation and global trade, maintaining an active trademark is essential for long-term success. Here’s why renewing trademark should be a priority:
Protection Against Brand Infringement
An expired trademark leaves your brand vulnerable to misuse by competitors or counterfeiters. Renew trademark ensures that your legal rights remain intact, preventing others from registering similar marks and diluting your brand equity.
Maintaining Market Reputation
Your trademark is a symbol of quality and trust for your customers. A lapsed trademark can confuse consumers, damage your reputation, and erode the goodwill you’ve built over time. Regular trademark renewal service keeps your brand credible and recognizable.
Legal and Financial Benefits
An active trademark provides a legal foundation to pursue infringement cases and recover damages. Without renewal, you lose the ability to enforce your rights, which could result in costly litigation or loss of revenue. The UAE’s robust intellectual property laws make timely renewal a cost-effective strategy.
Global Business Expansion
For businesses eyeing international markets, a renewed UAE trademark strengthens your portfolio and facilitates trademark registration in other jurisdictions. This is particularly important given the UAE’s role as a global trade hub.
The UAE Trademark Law (Federal Law No. 37 of 1992, as amended) mandates that trademarks must be renewed every 10 years to remain valid. Neglecting this process risks losing your intellectual property, making renewing trademark a non-negotiable task for businesses.
When and How Often You Should Renew Trademark
Understanding the renewal timeline is key to avoiding lapses. In the UAE, the process for trademark renewal follows a clear schedule.
Renewal Period
Trademarks registered in the UAE are valid for an initial period of 10 years from the filing date. You must renew your trademark within the last year of this period (i.e., between the 9th and 10th year) to maintain its protection.
Grace Period
If you miss the renewal deadline, the UAE offers a 6-month grace period during which you can still renew your trademark. However, this comes with additional penalties and fees. After this grace period, the trademark is considered expired, and regaining it requires a new trademark registration renewal application, which can be a lengthy and uncertain process.
How Often to Renew tradmark
Renewals must occur every 10 years, provided the trademark remains in use and complies with UAE regulations. Regular monitoring and setting reminders for renewing expired trademark deadlines are recommended to avoid complications
Businesses should also consider renewing their trademarks proactively, especially if they plan to expand or face increasing competition. Early renewal ensures uninterrupted protection and peace of mind
Step-by-Step Process to Renew a Trademark in the UAE
Renewing a trademark in the UAE involves a structured process managed by the Ministry of Economy or the Trademark Office. Here’s a detailed step-by-step process to renew a trademark in the UAE
Review Your Trademark Status
Check the status of your trademark using the online portal of the UAE Ministry of Economy. Ensure there are no pending objections or disputes
Prepare Renewal Application
Submit a renewal request through a registered trademark agent or directly via the e-services portal. The application should include the trademark number, owner details, and class of goods/services
Pay Renewal Fees
Pay the required fees, which vary based on the number of classes covered by the trademark. Additional fees apply during the grace period
Submit Supporting Documents
Provide necessary documents, such as proof of use or the power of attorney if represented by an agent
Awaiting Approval
The Trademark Office reviews the application. If approved, a renewal certificate is issued. If rejected, you’ll receive a notice with reasons and an opportunity to appeal
Update Records
Update your business records with the new renewal certificate and notify relevant stakeholders
This process can be streamlined with professional assistance, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements from ip lawyer
Required Documents for Trademark Renewal
To successfully renew your trademark, you must submit specific documents. The required documents for trademark renewal include
Trademark Registration Certificate: A copy of the original registration or the latest renewal certificate
Power of Attorney: If using a trademark agent, a notarized power of attorney is required (can be submitted later in some cases)
proof of Use: Evidence that the trademark is actively used in commerce (e.g., product labels, advertisements), though this is not always mandatory unless challenged
Renewal Form: Completed application form available on the Ministry of Economy’s website
Payment Receipt: Proof of payment for renewal fees
For foreign applicants, additional documents like a legalized commercial license may be required. Ensuring all documents are accurate and up to date is crucial to avoid delays.
Fees and Timeline for Trademark Renewal
The cost and duration of trademark renewal service depend on several factors:
Fees
Application Filing Fee: AED 750
Publication Fee: AED 750
Renewal Fee: AED 5,000
Total: AED 6,500
In the event that the renewal application is filed after the protection period has expired (within 6 months), the renewal fee will be AED 7,250 in full.
Timeline
Normal Processing: 1-2 months from submission, assuming no objections
Grace Period Processing: May take longer (2-3 months) due to additional scrutiny
Businesses should plan and budget to avoid the higher costs associated with late renewals
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline
Missing the renewed expired trademark deadline can have serious consequences
Loss of Trademark Rights
Once the grace period expires, your trademark becomes available for others to register. These risks losing your brand identity and market position.
Legal Disputes
Competitors or third parties may claim your trademark, leading to costly legal battles to reclaim it. The burden of proof shifts to you to demonstrate prior use, which can be challenging
Reapplication Process
Regaining a lapsed trademark requires filing a new trademark registration renewal application, starting the process from scratch. This involves new fees, potential opposition from existing registrants, and no guarantee of success.
Financial and Reputational Damage
Rebuilding a brand after losing a trademark can be expensive and time-consuming, damaging customer trust and market share.
To mitigate these risks, businesses should monitor renewal dates closely and seek professional help if deadlines are missed.
How iLAW Can Help You Renew Trademark Hassle-Free
Navigating the trademark renewal process can be complex, especially for businesses with limited legal expertise. This is where iLAW, led by the renowned Ibrahim Al-Husani, stands out as a trusted partner. Here’s how iLAW can assist
Expert Guidance
iLAW team of intellectual property specialists provides personalized advice tailored to your business needs, ensuring compliance with UAE trademark laws
End-to-End Service
From checking trademark status to submitting documents and paying fees, iLAW handles the entire trademark renewal service process, saving you time and effort.
