Businesses can use trademarks to differentiate their products and services in the market. A trademark can be a word, logo, symbol, slogan, or combination of any of these to represent a brand. The purpose of a trademark is to secure the brand identity and also to help customers differentiate between different brands in the same industry. The UAE Federal decree law, No. 36 of 2021, governs the registration and protection of intellectual property. This law authorises the registration of non-conventional marks in the UAE, such as smell, colour, motion, etc. You can register a number as a trademark in the UAE if it is distinctive and used in commerce to identify the goods and services of a brand.
Can you trademark a number in the UAE?
Yes, you can trademark a number in the UAE. To obtain trademark registration for a number in the UAE, it should be used in commerce to promote a brand. You cannot trademark a number in the UAE if it is only used for decoration. A number can be registered as a trademark if it helps the customers to identify the source of goods and services. One of the key factors that should be considered while registering a numerical trademark is that you should be able to prove its distinctiveness. If a number is confusingly similar to any existing numerical trademark, then it won’t qualify for trademark protection.
How to trademark a number in the UAE?
Trademark search
In numerical trademark registration, you need to conduct a proper search to find out if there is any similar mark. A thorough trademark search will prevent rejection and legal disputes.
Choose the right trademark class
UAE follows the NICE classification system, so choose a class based on the nature of your business.
Apply with relevant documents
You can submit your application to the UAE Ministry of Economy
- Applicant name
- Trade license
- ID proof
- Trademark logo or image
- Details of the goods and services
Examination and Publication
Your application will be reviewed to check if it complies with the legal standards. If the application is accepted, then it will be published for 30 days for objections. If your application is rejected, then you can appeal or amend the application.
Registration
If there are no objections, then you will receive the trademark registration certificate. Also, you need to pay the registration fee to obtain the certificate.
Benefits of registering a numerical trademark in the UAE:
A numerical trademark will be helpful for a business to stand out in the market. When the competition in the business sector increases, companies can safeguard their brand through distinctive and unique trademarks. A registered number will prevent your competitors from using similar numerical marks, and you will also be able to take legal action against anyone who misuses your mark. If you choose a unique and distinctive number as a trademark, then you will have legal protection against infringement. Also, numerical trademarks will help your customers to identify your products and services more easily.
A number could become a powerful brand identifier; some of the major examples of numerical trademarks are 7-Eleven and F1. One of the significant advantages of choosing a numerical trademark is that you will have a competitive advantage. A distinctive numerical trademark can differentiate your brand in the marketplace, and your competitors won’t be able to replicate it easily.
Challenges in registering a numerical trademark:
Businesses should not use generic or common trademarks such as 100 or 24/7. If your mark has acquired distinctiveness over time, then it will be eligible for registration. It is difficult to register plain numbers as a trademark, so you may need to use design elements such as colour or shape to achieve distinctiveness. The chosen number should not describe the features of a product, such as a 360-degree camera, so you need to prove that the chosen number is a brand identifier and not a quality or feature of the product.
Another challenge in numerical trademarks is that the short numerical trademarks are subject to duplication or confusion. Numerical marks could have similarities with existing marks, so before choosing a mark, ensure that you conduct a proper trademark search.
How can Jitendra Intellectual Property help businesses with numerical trademark registration in the UAE?
Registering a numerical trademark offers several benefits for businesses, such as competitive advantages and brand recognition. A numeric trademark registration consists of challenges, too, such as proving distinctiveness. Jitendra Intellectual Property can help businesses with the numerical trademark registration in the UAE. Our IP professionals can help you with trademark registration, monitoring, and enforcement.
