- Most common grounds for objection
- Relative grounds / likelihood of confusion with an earlier mark or prior rights (identical or confusingly similar).
- Lack of distinctiveness or descriptiveness; marks that are generic, purely descriptive, or non-distinctive can be rejected.
- Use of prohibited or official symbols and names such as national emblems, flags, or insignia.
- Marks that mislead or offend public morals or religious values that contravene UAE law.
- Bad faith adoption, prior dealings, or evidence of intent to trade off another’s reputation.
- Formal or procedural defects (missing POA, wrong classification, or incomplete evidence) which can result in administrative objections.
- Key procedural points and deadlines
- Opposition/objection window runs 30 days from publication in the Ministry of Economy bulletin; failure to respond within timelines can lead to refusal or default outcomes.
- Ministry of Economy handles filing, service to the applicant, written replies, hearings, and final administrative decisions.
- Practical way to respond
- Immediate triage: review the objection notice, identify the precise grounds, and confirm filing/publication dates.
- Evidence-based rebuttal: assemble prior-use evidence, registrations, marketing materials, consumer surveys, and proof of distinctiveness or different channels/territories.
- Address formalities: ensure Power of Attorney and documents meet UAE notarisation/legalisation and Arabic/bilingual requirements where needed.
- File a timely written reply within the statutory 30-day period; request hearing only if it strengthens your position.
- Escalation: if decision is adverse, note appeal routes — Grievance Committee then Federal Court of Appeal — and relevant appeal deadlines.
Suggested quick checklist to attach to your reply
- Confirm publication date and countdown 30-day deadline.
- Gather prior-use evidence and registration copies.
- Prepare persuasive argument on distinctiveness or absence of confusion.
- Verify procedural documents (POA notarised/legalised; Arabic translation if required).
- Decide whether to request a hearing or resolve by submission only.
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