In a proactive move to bolster trademark protection within the United Arab Emirates, Customs authorities in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah have introduced Trademark recordation system. This system enables Trademark Owners with valid UAE trademark registrations to record their trademarks with the Customs departments.
Under the established procedures, customs departments will promptly notify the owners of recorded trademarks or their designated agents of any suspected shipments containing similar or identical trademarks. Owners will then have a three-day window to assess the situation and decide whether to file a complaint against such shipments. Should no complaint be filed within this timeframe, the shipment will be released.
This enhanced level of protection stands to greatly benefit trademark owners, sparing them the need to continuously monitor the market for unauthorized sales of products that could potentially harm their businesses. As such, recording trademarks under this recordation system is strongly recommended.