Business
What should you do about trademark infringement in the UAE?
Choose a UAE trademark enforcement route: preserve evidence, use a Ministry complaint, customs intervention, interim civil measures or compensation.
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Overview
Preserve evidence first, confirm the mark and suspected conduct, then choose the route that matches the objective. A Ministry complaint, customs intervention, civil precautionary measures, compensation and potential criminal proceedings are different tracks. They can interact, but one application does not automatically deliver every remedy.
First response
Record the seller, listing, location, dates, product, packaging, invoices, shipment details and the way the sign is used. Preserve original files and acquisition records. Confirm that the UAE registration is valid, covers the relevant goods/services and identifies the correct owner or authorised representative.
Avoid uncontrolled confrontation or takedown requests that may destroy evidence. Decide whether the immediate objective is to stop online/local use, intercept a shipment, preserve assets/evidence or seek compensation.
Ministry complaint
The current Ministry infringement-complaint card requires a registered and valid mark and supporting documents. It lists AED 2,250 and an average service-delivery time of 15 working days. A representative’s power of attorney must meet the stated authentication and Arabic-translation requirements.
That service target is not a promise of seizure, damages or a final court judgment.
Customs intervention
Article 45 of Federal Decree-Law 36/2021 allows customs, on its own initiative or on a right-holder request, to suspend release for up to 20 days. Cabinet Resolution 57/2022 sets the request/evidence framework, a seven-working-day decision period and possible security.
Customs implementation and fees are authority-specific. Dubai Customs currently publishes conflicting official presentations: its full brand-recording page says AED 210 per brand/category, while a mobile card updated 19 July 2026 says AED 200 plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees. Obtain a live quotation rather than treating either format as a nationwide fee.
Abu Dhabi Customs separately publishes AED 200 for an IP customs-protection registration request, AED 2,000 for infringement inspection and AED 5,000 refundable security in its current fees guide.
Civil precautionary measures and compensation
Article 47 permits an application to the competent summary-matters judge for measures including detailed description, attachment and preventing infringing goods from entering commercial channels. Article 48 allows a harmed trademark owner to claim compensation in civil court under the general rules.
Urgency, jurisdiction, evidence, security and follow-on proceedings require case-specific analysis. Do not assume an administrative complaint preserves every civil deadline or claim.
Potential offences
Articles 49–50 create offences and penalties for specified counterfeiting, knowing commercial use, import/export and dealing conduct. Whether facts support a criminal referral is assessed separately; the existence of confusing use does not itself guarantee conviction.
Route matrix
| Objective | Possible route | Key preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative examination | Ministry complaint | valid registration, POA and evidence |
| Stop suspected imports | relevant customs authority | recording/request, shipment detail, evidence and security if required |
| Preserve evidence/assets urgently | civil precautionary measures | verified facts, urgency and court-ready application |
| Recover proven loss | civil claim | causation, damage and defendant evidence |
| Address suspected criminal conduct | competent enforcement channel | offence elements and preserved evidence |
For route design and coordination, use UAE counterfeiting and unfair-competition support.
Frequently asked questions
Must the trademark be registered?
The Ministry complaint card requires a registered and valid mark. Other rights or claims need separate analysis.
Is customs recordal nationwide?
Do not assume it is. Confirm the relevant emirate/customs authority, service and current fee.
How long can customs suspend release?
Article 45 provides a maximum period of 20 days, subject to the applicable process.
Does a Ministry complaint award damages?
The service card does not replace a civil compensation claim.
Can several routes run together?
Potentially, but evidence, timing and statements must be coordinated.
Is every similar sign a criminal counterfeit?
No. Registration, goods/services, confusion, knowledge, conduct and evidence must be assessed.
Official law and service cards checked 20 July 2026. Live authority fees and procedures must be confirmed before filing. General information only.
A complete roadmap for launching and running a business in the UAE — in our guide 'How to Do Business in the UAE?'
In the guide, you will find not only basic information but also expert recommendations based on real cases and deep jurisdictional knowledge:
- How to register a Mainland company
- Types of business licenses in the UAE
- What to do in the UAE after registering your company
- When a bank account in the UAE can be closed
- How to use cryptocurrency in the UAE
- All about UAE corporate tax and IP-Box incentives
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