Trademark FAQs
- What is a trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive sign such as a word, logo, shape, or combination used to distinguish the goods or services of one entity from another. - Do I need to register a trademark to have protection?
While unregistered use can provide some rights, registering a trademark with the UAE Ministry of Economy gives stronger legal protection and a presumption of ownership. - How long is a registered trademark valid in the UAE?
A registered trademark in the UAE is protected for 10 years from the filing date. (ATB Legal) - Can I renew my trademark after 10 years?
Yes you can renew indefinitely in 10-year intervals, as long as renewal fees are paid and requirements met. - What is the process for registering a trademark in the UAE?
The process involves filing via the Ministry of Economy (or via an agent), examination, publication, and a decision typically within about 90 days. - Do I get trademark protection across the GCC if I register in the UAE?
No — GCC countries each have their own system. A UAE registration doesn’t automatically cover other GCC states. - Can you help me register a trademark in other countries beyond the UAE?
Yes. ATB Legal assists with global filings, including via the Madrid Protocol, and coordinates with associate firms for non‑Madrid jurisdictions. - What kind of trademark services does ATB Legal offer?
- Search & clearance
- Filing & registration
- Renewals & maintenance
- Monitoring & watch services
- Opposition, cancellation & enforcement
- Licensing, assignments, franchising
- Cease-and-desist actions
- IP due diligence
- What is a trademark watch or monitoring service?
It’s a service to track new applications or uses of marks that might infringe or conflict with your trademark. ATB Legal provides both local and international monitoring. - Can ATB Legal help me if someone is infringing my trademark?
Yes — they handle opposition, cancellation, cease-and-desist letters, and enforcement actions before IP authorities or courts. - What is a trademark assignment?
A trademark assignment is transferring ownership of a trademark from one party to another. ATB Legal can draft and register assignment agreements. - Can I license my trademark to others?
Yes. ATB Legal drafts and negotiates licensing or franchising agreements so others can use your trademark under agreed terms. - Do you conduct trademark searches before filing?
Yes. ATB Legal carries out pre-filing clearance searches and conflict assessments to make sure the mark is available and registrable. - What is IP due diligence and why do I need it?
IP due diligence is an assessment of your IP portfolio (including trademarks) in the event of mergers, acquisitions or investment. ATB Legal helps identify risks and value. - Can I manage a portfolio of many trademarks with ATB Legal?
Yes. They provide maintenance, renewal, and management of your trademark portfolio over time. - How do I enforce my trademark rights overseas?
ATB Legal leverages its global network, using Madrid Protocol filings or local partners in non‑Madrid jurisdictions to enforce rights. - What happens during a trademark opposition?
If a third party opposes your application (or you oppose someone else), ATB Legal represents you in administrative proceedings to argue your case. - Can ATB Legal help me with cease-and-desist letters?
Yes — they draft warning notices to stop unauthorized or infringing use of your trademark. - What if someone is using a confusingly similar trademark?
ATB Legal can assess whether there’s risk of confusion, and, if so, advise on enforcement options (opposition, cancellation, litigation). - Why choose ATB Legal for trademark services?
- Deep specialization in IP law
- End-to-end support (search, filing, enforcement)
- Global reach (UAE, GCC, India, Madrid, non‑Madrid)
- Commercially driven advice focused on business goals.