Register a US trademark from the UAE

Yes. A company or individual based in the UAE can register a US trademark. If your domicile is outside the United States, a US-licensed attorney must file the application. A UAE trademark registration protects the mark in the UAE and does not cover the US.

Do you own the brand or distribute it

Many UAE companies are trading or e-commerce businesses that sell dozens of brands. The first question is which of those brands you own. You can register a brand you own. A distributor or reseller generally cannot register the manufacturer's brand as its own. If you have your own private-label line next to the brands you distribute, the private label is the mark to file.

Which entity is the applicant

UAE businesses operate through free zone companies, mainland companies and group structures with a holding company above the trading company. The applicant should be the entity that owns the brand, named exactly as on its trade licence. We ask who controls the brand and whether the group might sell or restructure it, since the owner named in the application is difficult to change later.

Arabic names and bilingual logos

Many UAE brands use Arabic script alongside Latin letters. A mark in Arabic script generally needs a transliteration and translation in the application. You then choose whether to file the English name, the Arabic name, a combined logo or several. Each is a different mark and each class carries its own USPTO fee, so we help you decide where protection is most useful for the US market.

Selling into the US from the UAE

Some applicants hold stock in the US with a fulfilment partner. Others ship direct from the UAE, or sell through a marketplace storefront. How the goods reach customers affects the filing basis and the proof of use later. If a marketplace programme is part of your plan, read Amazon Brand Registry and your trademark before you schedule the filing.

An 8 to 9 hour difference

The UAE is about 8 to 9 hours ahead of US Eastern time, depending on the season. Our morning hours are late afternoon or early evening for you, roughly 5 to 6 pm. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. We keep decisions in writing by email, with a reply within one business day, and book calls when a conversation is faster. Deadlines are tracked on the US calendar and shown in your own date.

Documents to have ready

The trade licence, showing the exact company name.
The mark, as an image file, in each script you use.
A list of the products or services you offer to US customers.
Evidence that you own the brand, such as a design or manufacturing agreement.

Before preparing any of this, our free name search shows what is already on USPTO records. Our overseas applicant guide explains the general process, and class 35 covers trading and retail services.

This is general information, not legal advice.