The great news which was announced in September 2021, that UAE joined Madrid Protocol becoming the third country in GCC to join the Madrid system after Bahrain and Oman and the 109 state globally. The Protocol will enter into force in December 28th, 2021.
By joining U.A.E. the Protocol, the UAE trademark holders can extend their national registration to more than 124 territories by filing one international application with the Madrid system member.
And the accession of the UAE in the Madrid Protocol will help both the big brands owners and the small businesses owners whether locally or internationally to acces the UAE market, allowing an applicant to acquire trademark protection in the UAE through WIPO, without filing a national application and avoiding extra costs for having a local agent in addition to the expensive governmental fees.
About the Madrid System
The Madrid system has two international treaties, which are Madrid Agreement and Madrid Protocol, both are administrated by the International Bureau of WIPO. The Madrid system aims to facilitate the registration, management and maintenance of trademarks worldwide through one centralized system.
The accession of the UAE to the Madrid Protocol is a great step to promote cooperation between countries by offering an easy, cost-effective tool for brand owners internationally and locally, since it was a difficult country for companies to file a national application in the UAE for its expensive official fees and requirements.
For further information, please contact us at Dagher Intellectual Property, via email: info@dagher-ip.com