Whether it’s a new business or an established brand, trademark agents in UAE advise the businesses in the food industry to register a trademark in the United Arab Emirates. GCC countries, particularly the UAE, import the food for consumption purposes making this part of the world an ideal place for exporters to export food and beverage items from across the globe. This is the reason why new & globally renowned food brands are entering the UAE market making the business environment more competitive. Every year, the UAE government host the world’s largest annual food & beverage trade show ‘Gulfood’ inviting importers and exporters across the world to explore the potential market of the food industry in UAE.
The UAE continues to be a leader in the Middle East as far as the Food and Beverage industry is concerned. The top factor that bolsters the UAE’s strength in the F&B market is the rising number of tourists. A recent study conducted by MasterCard positioned Dubai in the fourth rank of cities receiving maximum international visitors.
However, increased competition in the food industry demands the need for exercising more caution on safeguarding the brand name as it ensures the identity and credibility of the product in the market. A stronger trademark, which is registered in the UAE Ministry of Economy, ensures that the trademark is not misused for any purposes that would put a big dent in the profits.
How Registered Trademark can Establish as a Food brand in the Market?
Registered Trademarks Conveys Quality of Food Brands
Unlike the multitude of other products in the UAE market, trademarks of food products are linked to health and safety. Consumers make a purchasing decision based on food products that have already established themselves as torchbearers of health and safety. Food producers also cater to consumers’ demand for heightened health consciousness and brand themselves in such a way. Trademarks help brands tell the consumers that their products adhere to the ideals of health, hygiene and safety. Consumers link top brands like Nestle and Cadbury with quality.
Registered Trademarks help in Securing Consumer Loyalty
Establishing loyalty of consumers through the way of Registered Trademarks is an important strategy as far as branding is concerned. Consumers often prefer to buy food products supplied by brands that offer the products at a cheaper rate than the competitors. This proves to be a restriction for the brands as they could no more increase the prices. However, once the loyalty has been established through trademarks, consumers may still buy the food products irrespective of the price surge.
Trademarks link Consumers with the Food Brand
One of the very reasons why brands register their trademarks is that it binds the consumers to the product. This is important as the food preferences of consumers may alter with the changes in the general lifestyle trends. Food products like Nestle often deliver different versions of their own products (low fat for example) and yet the consumers will prefer Nestle over other lesser-known brands for each version of the same food product. This happens as the company branded its products and registered a trademark for the same.
Classification of Trademarks Related to Food Industry
For the trademark registration of food-related trademarks, it is advisable to follow the International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Classification). An Agreement regarding the classification was reached during the Nice Conference on 15, June 1957 and was amended in 1967. The following are the major classifications under which food-related trademarks can be registered:
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Class 29
Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs, milk and milk products; edible oils and fats.
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Class 30
Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee; rice, tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice.
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Class 31
Grains and agricultural, horticultural and forestry products not included in other classes; live animals; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds, natural plants and flowers; foodstuffs for animals, malt. It is also important to note that the UAE is not an agricultural country.
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Class 32
Beer, mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic beverages. The list also includes fruit beverages and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.
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Class 43
Services for providing food and drink and temporary accommodation. This may include restaurant, hotel and cafeteria.
Note: Class 33 related to alcoholic beverages is banned for registering as a trademark across GCC countries.
Why Should You Choose Jitendra Intellectual Property?
UAE has become a major importer of food over the years as the country is not known for producing much for consumption. However, the increase in the entry of more international food industry entities has increased the need for trademarks protection. Jitendra Intellectual Property (JIP) has an expert team of trademark specialists who will ensure that the trademark of your company remains protected in the GCC. JIP also participate every year in Gulfood Festival happens at the World Trade Center, Dubai. Contact us if you have any query related to trademark search, registration process to trademark registration in any class across GCC.