The United Arab Emirates Join the Madrid System

September 28, 2021

On September 28, 2021, the Government of the United Arab Emirates deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with WIPO Deputy Director Generals Binying Wang and Hasan Kleib, making it the 109th member of the Madrid System, which now covers 125 countries. This also makes it the third country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), alongside Bahrain and Oman to join the Madrid Union. The Protocol will enter into force for the United Arab Emirates on December 28, 2021.

His Excellency Plenipotentiary Minister Abdelsalam Mohamed AL ALI, Director Representative of the United Arab Emirates Office to the World Trade Organization in Geneva (center), with WIPO Deputy Director Generals Binying Wang (right) and Hasan Kleib (left) (Photo: WIPO/Berrod).

Starting December 28, 2021, local brand owners in the United Arab Emirates will be able to start using the Madrid System to protect their trademarks in the 124 territories of the System’s other 108 members by filing a single international application and paying a single set of fees.

With its straightforward designation process, foreign businesses and trademark owners can, from December 28, 2021, seek trademark protection through the Madrid System when selling their products and services in the United Arab Emirates.

Protecting your brand in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates’ accession further strengthen the Madrid System’s status as a key component of protecting marks globally, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for brand owners worldwide and in the Middle East region.

Stay tuned for more information about the United Arab Emirates’ trademark laws and practices, which will be soon made available in the Member Profiles Database.

TIP: Are you the holder of an international registration? Submit your subsequent designation online and expand the scope of protection to include the United Arab Emirates’ consumer market. Then, track the status of your request with Madrid Monitor.

About the Madrid System

The Madrid System makes it possible for you to apply for trademark protection in up to 124 territories by filing a single international application with the national or regional IP office of a Madrid System member.

With the Madrid System, the process of multinational trademark registration is streamlined through a single application and management process.

Today, the Madrid Registry is focused on delivering a streamlined, customer-driven experience for users throughout the lifecycle of their mark with its evolving suite of online services and resources.

More information