UAE Expands Trademark Filing Practice for Alcoholic Beverages
New Opportunity for Brand Owners to Seek Protection in Class 33
The UAE has introduced an important development in trademark filing practice that may significantly benefit owners of alcoholic beverage brands.
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism portal has recently started accepting trademark applications covering alcoholic beverages in Class 33, which were previously subject to filing restrictions in the UAE.
What Does Class 33 Cover?
Class 33 generally covers alcoholic beverages, except beers, as well as certain alcoholic preparations for making beverages.
This change creates a new opportunity for international and regional brand owners to seek direct national protection in the UAE for brands used in connection with alcoholic beverages and to address potential gaps in their existing trademark portfolios.
Why Brand Owners Should Review Their UAE Portfolios
Many international alcoholic beverage brands are protected in Class 33 in other jurisdictions but were previously unable to obtain equivalent protection in the UAE due to the former filing restrictions.
Brand owners should therefore consider reviewing their existing UAE portfolios to identify:
- Alcoholic beverage brands that are protected internationally but not currently protected in the UAE under Class 33.
- Existing UAE registrations that may no longer provide the most appropriate scope of protection;
- Brands intended for future use, distribution, licensing, or market expansion in the UAE.
Class 32 Searches Should Also Be Considered
Before filing a new application in Class 33, it is also advisable to conduct a trademark search in Class 32.
Historically, because of the restrictions on Class 33 filings in the UAE, some brand owners sought protection for alcoholic beverage brands under Class 32 or filed identical or similar marks in that class.
Accordingly, searching both Classes 32 and 33 may help identify earlier registrations or applications that could be relevant to the availability and registrability of a proposed Class 33 trademark.
A Timely Opportunity for Brand Owners
This development may be particularly relevant for businesses that already have a commercial presence in the UAE, as well as those considering future market entry, distribution, licensing, or expansion.
Brand owners may now wish to reassess whether additional national trademark protection should be secured for their alcoholic beverage brands.
As this filing practice is newly implemented, the specific scope of goods currently accepted by the UAE Trademark Office should be carefully reviewed when preparing each application.
How Alyafi IP Group Can Assist
Alyafi IP Group can assist brand owners with:
- Reviewing existing UAE trademark portfolios;
- Identifying potential gaps in protection;
- Conducting trademark searches in Classes 32 and 33;
- Advising on the appropriate specification of goods;
- Filing new Class 33 trademark applications in the UAE.
For further information or assistance with reviewing your portfolio, please contact uae@alyafi-ip.com
