Application success rate at the UAE’s trademark office
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), national trademark application management falls under the Ministry of Economy, specifically within its Trademarks Department.
Over the past five years, the UAE has recorded a strong average trademark success rate of 80.27%. While the data for some years is incomplete, the available figures show that the UAE has historically performed well, particularly in 2019 and 2020, where success rates exceeded many global benchmarks. Even with a more moderate outcome in 2023, the UAE’s multi-year trend remains highly favorable for applicants.
Comparison to regional and global averages
With an average success rate of 80.27%, the UAE ranks among the top trademark jurisdictions globally, far surpassing the global average and outperforming major offices such as the USPTO (56.91%), Australia (52.52%), and India (60.41%).
Regionally, the UAE is positioned as a leader in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with only Qatar (89.02%) showing a higher average. Its performance also outpaces neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia (62.94%) and Egypt (38.64%), highlighting the UAE's continued emphasis on building a business-friendly and efficient IP environment.
Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.
Country | Office code | Success rate |
|---|---|---|
United Arab Emirates | Ministry of Economy | 80.27% |
Saudi Arabia | SAIP | 62.94% |
Qatar | MOCI | 89.02% |
Egypt | AGIP | 38.64% |
The United States | USPTO | 56.91% |
Explaining the UAE’s strong trademark system
Pro-business legal framework
The UAE’s IP system supports a clear, structured, and investor-friendly legal framework. Reforms in recent years have streamlined procedures and aligned the system more closely with international standards.
High efficiency and digital services
The Ministry of Economy has invested heavily in digitizing the application and examination process. This efficiency has contributed to higher throughput and improved applicant experience.
Strategic role as a regional hub
Given its central role in international trade and commerce, the UAE places a high value on brand protection. This has translated into greater institutional support and predictability in trademark decisions.
How to maximize your chances of registration success in the UAE
Given the relatively low average success rate of 80.27%, registering a trademark in the United Arab Emirates requires some preparation and understanding of the procedures. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.
Partnering with a trademark attorney familiar with the legal landscape can significantly improve your chances. They can help anticipate objections, prepare your application thoroughly, and represent you throughout the process if issues arise.
If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.
