Before you register your business name or logo in the UAE, conducting a trademark search is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your brand.
A proper trademark search in the UAE helps you confirm whether your brand name, logo, or slogan is already registered, saving you from costly legal disputes, rejections, or rebranding expenses later on.
This guide explains everything you need to know about how to conduct a UAE trademark search, step by step, including free and official methods, estimated costs, and how to avoid future conflicts.
Why a Trademark Search Matters Before Registration
Skipping a trademark search can be a costly mistake.
If your name or logo is too similar to an existing mark, your application could be rejected or opposed, or worse, you could face legal action after launching your brand.
Keep in mind:
- A trade name (used for your license) is not the same as a trademark (used for your brand identity).
- Even if your business name is approved for licensing, it doesn’t automatically grant exclusive brand rights.
In the UAE, the Ministry of Economy (MOE) oversees trademark registrations for both mainland and free zone companies.
And since the UAE is part of the Madrid Protocol, a global trademark system, your search should also cover international markets if you plan to expand abroad.
How to Do an Official Trademark Search in the UAE
The Ministry of Economy offers an official Trademark Inquiry Service through its eServices portal, this is the only legally valid way to confirm if a mark is already registered.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the MOE eServices Portal.
- Log in or create an account.
- Select the Trademark Inquiry / Enquiry About Registration service.
- Enter your proposed trademark name, logo, and class of goods or services.
- Pay the AED 350 search fee.
- Receive a detailed report showing identical or similar trademarks already registered.
This official report carries legal weight and should be done before filing your application.
If your brand clears this step, you can proceed confidently with trademark registration.
Pro Tip: Many entrepreneurs use a UAE business setup consultant or IP agent (like Startup Works PRO team) to conduct the official search, as agents have direct portal access and can manage the process quickly.
Free Tools to Check Trademarks in the UAE
Before paying for an official search, you can conduct free preliminary checks using global trademark databases.
These tools help identify potential conflicts or similar marks early on.
1. WIPO Global Brand Database
The WIPO Global Brand Database includes UAE trademarks.
To use it:
- Select “United Arab Emirates (AE)” in the country filter.
- Search by trademark name, number, or owner.
- Review results for similar or identical marks, including class and status.
This gives a solid overview of potential issues before you spend money on registration.
2. TMview
TMview is another great free platform that includes UAE data.
You can search by:
- Keyword or trademark name.
- Class or product category.
- Owner or applicant name.
- Even image-based logo searches.
TMview is especially useful if you plan to expand to other countries, it shows possible conflicts across GCC and European markets.
Example:
If you want to register “TechNova AE” in Class 9 (electronics), a TMview search might show an existing “TechNava” mark in the same class.
That’s a warning sign, you’d need to modify your brand name to avoid rejection.
How to Check if a Trademark Already Exists in the UAE
The most accurate way to verify a trademark is to combine multiple search methods:
- Start with free tools (WIPO + TMview).
- Search variations — plural, Arabic transliterations, abbreviations, and logos.
- Confirm through the official MOE paid inquiry.
This layered approach ensures you don’t miss a similar or conflicting mark.
If a similar name appears, check who owns it and whether it’s active or expired.
You can verify:
- Trademark status (active, opposed, cancelled).
- Owner name or company.
- Filing date and class number.
For complete details, request a Trademark Data Certificate or full registry extract from the Ministry of Economy.
Is a Trademark Search Free in the UAE?
Here’s the breakdown:
| Type | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Official MOE Inquiry | AED 350 | Legal confirmation via Ministry of Economy |
| Trademark Data Certificate | AED 150 | Proof of trademark registration or ownership |
| Legal / Agent Fee | AED 500–3,000+ | Deep due diligence and variant search |
| Free Databases (WIPO, TMview) | Free | Preliminary search and self-check |
The cheapest legal approach is to use free tools first, then confirm with the official AED 350 MOE inquiry.
Reverse Search: Find Trademarks by Owner or Company Name
If you want to see what trademarks a company or person owns:
- Use the Holder Name field in WIPO’s database and filter for “United Arab Emirates.”
- Or use TMview’s owner search to list trademarks registered across countries.
This is helpful when:
- Verifying competitor IP ownership.
- Checking brand rights before mergers or partnerships.
- Investigating whether a claimed brand is legally protected.
Since the UAE registry isn’t publicly open, trademark agents can also help you access internal records and request official extracts.
Avoiding Trademark Conflicts and Protecting Your Rights
Even after registration, your job isn’t over.
Ongoing monitoring helps prevent others from using similar marks.
Keep Your Brand Active:
- Renew your trademark every 10 years.
- Avoid letting it lapse, missing a renewal can cause loss of rights.
- Actively use your trademark, unused marks can be cancelled after 5 years of non-use.
Watch for Infringements:
- Use WIPO and TMview periodically to catch similar new filings.
- If a conflict appears, you can file an objection with the Ministry of Economy.
Continuous vigilance protects your brand’s identity and value.
Beyond the UAE: Expanding Trademark Protection
If your business is expanding internationally, protect your brand globally too.
Use:
- Madrid Monitor (part of WIPO) to check global filings.
- WIPO Global Brand Database to search multiple countries at once.
- TMview for Europe, GCC, and Asia-Pacific searches.
This ensures your brand remains unique and enforceable in all your target markets.
Startup Insights: Why Trademark Search Is Non-Negotiable
For entrepreneurs, skipping a trademark search can cost more than registration itself.
It’s not just about protecting your name, it’s about protecting your brand identity, trust, and market value.
Here’s what you should remember:
- Use free tools first to explore.
- Always perform the official Ministry inquiry before filing.
- Verify existing owners and marks.
- Renew and monitor regularly.
If you’re launching or expanding your company, talk to Startup Works UAE Business Setup Consultants.
Our team can handle the complete trademark registration process, from search to filing and renewal, ensuring your brand is safe and compliant.
FAQs – Trademark Search in the UAE
1. How can I check trademarks in the UAE?
Use WIPO or TMview for free searches, then confirm through the Ministry of Economy’s official AED 350 trademark inquiry.
2. Is a UAE trademark search free?
Free tools exist, but the official search fee is AED 350 through the Ministry of Economy.
3. Can I search trademarks by company name?
Yes. Both WIPO and TMview let you search by owner or applicant name for UAE records.
4. What’s the cheapest legal way to do a trademark search?
Start with free tools (WIPO, TMview), then do one official MOE inquiry for AED 350, that’s the most affordable, accurate method.
5. Can I lose my trademark if I don’t use it?
Yes. Trademarks unused for 5 years can be cancelled. Always renew every 10 years and show active commercial use.
Final Thoughts
A proper trademark search in the UAE saves you from costly legal issues, failed applications, and brand confusion.
Use free databases for early checks, but always confirm officially with the Ministry of Economy before registering.
If you’re a foreign investor or new founder, our Startup Works UAE Business Setup Consultants can help you conduct a verified trademark search, manage registration, and protect your intellectual property.
Your brand deserves protection, and it starts with the right search.
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