By Stephen D. Wilson | September 29, 2021

On December 28, 2021, brand owners will have a new option to obtain trademark protection in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under an intellectual property (IP) treaty.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

On September 28, 2021, the Government of the UAE deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland, becoming the 109th member of the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks (Madrid System). The Madrid Protocol will enter into force for the UAE effective December 28, 2021. The UAE is the third country in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to join the Madrid Union, along with Bahrain and Oman.

Madrid System

The Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks (Madrid System) is a trademark treaty that currently covers 125 countries, representing more than 80% of world trade. The Madrid System is governed by the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks dated 1981 and most recently amended in 1979 (Madrid Agreement) and the related Protocol dated 1989 and most recently amended in 2007 (Madrid Protocol). The Madrid Union is made up of Contracting Parties to the Madrid Agreement and the Madrid Protocol. The Madrid System facilitates trademark protection in multiple countries. The United States of America has been a party to the Madrid Protocol since November 2, 2003.

Global Brand Protection

In an increasingly global economy with unprecedented growth in e-commerce and trademark filings, it is important for U.S. brand owners to consider international trademark protection. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reports that trademark applications from U.S. and foreign applicants have surged to new levels, increasing approximately 63% over last year as of June 2021. Brand owners should consult with experienced trademark counsel regarding domestic and international IP protection options and strategy.

Beggs & Lane assists clients worldwide with U.S. and international trademark protection and other IP matters.