Global expansion is no longer optional. If your business operates from the United Arab Emirates and you are targeting international markets, protecting your brand globally is critical. Registering an International Trademark from UAE Under Madrid Protocol offers a structured, cost effective, and legally recognized pathway to secure trademark protection in multiple countries through a single application.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, we assist corporations, entrepreneurs, and multinational brands in navigating the complexities of international trademark registration while ensuring compliance with UAE and global intellectual property regulations.
This guide explains everything you need to know about registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol, including eligibility, procedure, documentation, timeline, strategic considerations, and common pitfalls.
Understanding the Madrid Protocol System
The World Intellectual Property Organization administers the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks. The legal framework is based on the Madrid Protocol, an international treaty that simplifies the process of seeking trademark protection in multiple jurisdictions.
The United Arab Emirates officially joined the Madrid Protocol in 2021, allowing businesses in the UAE to file one international application and designate multiple member countries.
Instead of filing separate trademark applications in each country, businesses can now use a centralized system. This significantly reduces administrative burden, filing costs, and procedural complexity.
Why Register an International Trademark from UAE Under Madrid Protocol?
Registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol offers several strategic advantages:
1. Centralized Filing System
A single application filed through the UAE Trademark Office can cover multiple countries.
2. Cost Efficiency
Instead of hiring separate local counsel in each country initially, you pay one consolidated fee structure through WIPO.
3. Simplified Management
Renewals, changes in ownership, or address updates can be handled centrally.
4. Strong Global Brand Positioning
If your company is expanding into Europe, Asia, the US, or beyond, international registration enhances credibility and investor confidence.
For growth focused businesses, registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol is not just legal compliance. It is brand strategy.
Eligibility Requirements in the UAE
Before registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol, you must meet these conditions:
- You must have a valid UAE national trademark application or registration (called the “basic mark”).
- The applicant must have:
- A commercial establishment in the UAE, OR
- Domicile in the UAE, OR
- UAE nationality.
Without a UAE base application or registration, you cannot proceed with the Madrid filing.
Step by Step Process: Registering an International Trademark from UAE Under Madrid Protocol
Step 1: File or Secure a UAE Trademark
Your international application must be based on an existing UAE trademark application or registration. The international mark must match the UAE mark in:
- Owner name
- Trademark representation
- Goods and services classification
Step 2: Prepare the International Application
The application is filed through the UAE Ministry of Economy and then transmitted to WIPO.
You must:
- Select designated Madrid member countries
- Choose appropriate Nice Classification classes
- Pay basic and individual country fees
Step 3: Formal Examination by WIPO
WIPO reviews the application for formal compliance. If approved, it records the mark in the International Register and publishes it in the WIPO Gazette.
Step 4: Examination by Designated Countries
Each selected country has up to 12 to 18 months to examine the application under its national laws. They may:
- Grant protection
- Issue provisional refusal
- Request clarification
If no refusal is issued within the prescribed time, the mark is automatically protected in that country.
Timeframe for Registering an International Trademark from UAE Under Madrid Protocol
- UAE base filing: 6 to 8 months (approximate)
- WIPO processing: 2 to 4 months
- National examination by designated countries: 12 to 18 months
Total timeframe may range between 12 to 24 months depending on jurisdictions involved.
Cost Structure
The cost of registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol includes:
- UAE certification fee
- WIPO basic fee
- Individual fees for designated countries
- Legal advisory and strategic structuring fees
Costs vary depending on:
- Number of countries selected
- Number of trademark classes
- Whether color mark or black and white mark
- Complexity of goods and services description
A strategic country selection is critical to optimize cost efficiency.
Risk of Central Attack: Critical Legal Consideration
For the first five years, your international registration depends on the UAE base application or registration. If the UAE mark is cancelled or limited within this period, the international registration is equally affected. This is known as a “central attack.”
Proper drafting, class selection, and risk mitigation at the UAE filing stage are essential.
Strategic Considerations Before Filing
Registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol should not be rushed. Consider:
- Are your target markets Madrid members?
- Should you file nationally in certain high risk jurisdictions?
- Is your trademark distinctive enough globally?
- Have you conducted clearance searches in key markets?
- Are you expanding physically or digitally?
Many businesses fail not because of legal rejection but because of poor strategy.
Documentation Required for International Trademark Registration from UAE
Proper documentation is critical when registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can lead to delays or refusals. Essential documents include:
- Certified copy of UAE base trademark – The international application must be based on your UAE registration or pending application.
- Power of attorney (POA) – Authorizing your legal representative to file and manage the international application.
- Trademark representation – A clear image of the mark in the approved format (black & white or color).
- Goods and services list – Classified according to the Nice Classification system. Each class should precisely describe your offerings.
- Applicant information – Legal name, address, nationality or commercial establishment details.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, we ensure every document is compliant with both UAE regulations and WIPO requirements, reducing the risk of procedural setbacks.
Stepwise Fee Structure for Madrid Protocol Trademark from UAE
Understanding the cost structure is essential for businesses planning global expansion. The fees involved in registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol are:
- UAE base mark fee – Paid to the UAE Ministry of Economy for the initial trademark registration.
- WIPO basic fee – Covers international filing and central processing.
- Designation fees for each country – Fees vary depending on the number of classes and individual country rates.
- Handling and legal advisory fee – For preparing, filing, and managing your international trademark portfolio.
By strategically selecting target markets and class categories, you can significantly reduce total expenditure while maintaining robust global protection.
Monitoring and Managing Your International Trademark Portfolio
Once registered, your international trademark requires continuous monitoring and management:
- Renewals – International registration under Madrid Protocol is valid for 10 years and can be renewed centrally.
- Changes in ownership – Any transfer must be recorded with WIPO to maintain legal validity in all designated countries.
- Opposition or refusal handling – Your mark may face opposition in individual countries; proactive management helps resolve disputes quickly.
- Portfolio expansion – You can file subsequent designations to cover new markets as your business grows.
Active portfolio management ensures your global brand protection strategy remains strong and up-to-date.
Common Challenges When Registering an International Trademark from UAE
Even experienced businesses face challenges when filing under Madrid Protocol:
- Central attack risk – If the UAE base mark is canceled within the first five years, international registration may be affected.
- Differences in national laws – Each country has its own examination rules, opposition processes, and classification practices.
- Language barriers – Some jurisdictions require translations or local representation.
- Strategic misalignment – Filing in countries where the mark is not used or recognized can lead to unnecessary costs.
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP helps navigate these challenges by combining regional expertise with global legal insight, ensuring efficient risk mitigation and compliance.
Leveraging Madrid Protocol Registration for Business Growth
Registering an international trademark from UAE under Madrid Protocol is not just legal compliance; it’s a growth lever. Benefits include:
- Enhanced market credibility – International registration signals professionalism and reliability to investors, partners, and customers.
- Easier enforcement – Legal actions against counterfeiters or infringers are streamlined when your mark is recognized globally.
- Global branding strategy – Consistent trademark usage across markets strengthens brand identity and customer trust.
- Digital expansion support – Protecting your mark internationally safeguards domain names, e-commerce platforms, and social media presence.
By integrating international trademark registration into your global expansion strategy, businesses secure both legal protection and commercial advantage.
When Madrid Protocol May Not Be Ideal
Although powerful, the Madrid system may not be optimal if:
- You need urgent registration in one country
- Your mark faces high likelihood of opposition
- You do not yet have a secure UAE base mark
- You want different goods and services in different countries
In such cases, a hybrid approach combining national filings and Madrid may be more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can any UAE company apply under the Madrid Protocol?
Yes, provided the company has a valid UAE trademark application or registration and a real commercial presence in the UAE.
How many countries can be selected?
You may designate any Madrid member country. Currently, over 110 countries are members.
Does international registration mean automatic approval?
No. Each designated country conducts its own examination under national law.
How long is the international trademark valid?
Ten years from the date of international registration, renewable every ten years.
Can new countries be added later?
Yes. Subsequent designation allows expansion into additional member countries after initial registration.
What happens if one country refuses the mark?
Refusal in one country does not affect protection in other designated countries.
Conclusion: Protect Your Brand Globally with Strategic Precision
Registering an International Trademark from UAE Under Madrid Protocol is one of the most powerful tools available for global brand protection. However, success depends on strategic planning, proper drafting, and long term intellectual property vision.
At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, we combine international legal expertise with regional insight to help businesses secure, defend, and expand their trademarks worldwide. From UAE base filing to global portfolio management, we ensure your brand is legally protected across borders.
If you are planning to expand internationally, now is the time to act.
Contact Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP today to schedule a consultation and build a strong international trademark strategy tailored to your business objectives.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: Office M 1003, Al Shmookh Business Center, UAQ FTZ, Umm Al Quwain, UAE