A practical classification guide for Indian brands expanding to the Emirates

By Prashant Kumar

As more Indian brands establish a footprint across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, one pattern is becoming clear: UAE trademark filings succeed or fail based on how well the classification is drafted. Unlike India, where broader descriptions are often accepted, the UAE Ministry of Economy expects narrow, accurate and commercially aligned specifications. In 2026, with stricter examination trends, classification has become a strategic exercise — not a clerical step. This guide helps Indian businesses understand how to choose the right trademark class in the UAE and avoid missteps that lead to objections, delays or re-filings.

How do Indian businesses choose the correct UAE trademark class?

Identify the exact goods or services you’ll offer in the UAE, map your commercial activity, draft narrow and specific descriptions, avoid broad Nice terms, and file separate applications for every class — the UAE does not allow multi-class filings. Accurate classification dramatically improves examination outcomes and enforcement strength.

Classification is more than a technicality. It defines the scope of protection, enforcement effectiveness, and how your brand fits into the UAE’s regulatory structure. Getting it right early prevents avoidable objections and strengthens downstream licensing, franchising and UAE Customs enforcement.

Understanding UAE Trademark Classification in 2026

1. UAE Follows the Nice Classification — But Applies It More Rigorously

While the UAE formally follows the Nice system, examiners interpret descriptions far more strictly than IP India. Broad terms that pass in India often attract objections in the UAE.

Problematic UAE wording includes:

• “Software”
• “Retail services”
• “Food products”
• “Online services”

A detailed overview of UAE’s examination expectations is available in my full UAE guide here:
https://csatwork.in/uae-trademark-registration-guide-indian-businesses/

2. Map Your Actual UAE Business Model Before Selecting Classes

Classification should reflect how you’ll operate in the Emirates — not just your Indian activity. Consider:

• What you will sell
• How customers will use your product
• Where you will engage with them
• Whether you will operate through retail, online, distribution, or franchise channels

Examples:

• A D2C fashion brand: Class 25 + 35
• A cosmetics label: Class 3 + 35
• A QSR or cloud kitchen entering via franchise: Class 43 + 35
• A SaaS product: Class 9 + 42

If the UAE filing is part of a multi-country expansion plan, my Madrid Protocol guide helps you coordinate classes across jurisdictions:
How to Protect Your Brand Internationally Using Madrid Protocol

3. Draft Narrow, Specific Descriptions — Broad Terms Cause Objections

UAE examiners expect precision. Avoid vague Nice terms and describe real commercial activity.

Avoid:
“Software and related services.”
Use:
“Downloadable mobile software for personal finance management.”

Avoid:
“Retail and wholesale services.”
Use:
“Online retail store services featuring skincare and cosmetic goods.”

I’ve covered how poorly drafted descriptions derail otherwise strong filings in my filing-process breakdown here:
UAE Trademark Application Filing Process

4. Separate Filings for Every Class — UAE Does Not Allow Multi-Class Applications

Every class requires its own application, fee, examination and certificate. This affects:

• Cost planning
• Enforcement strategy
• Renewal fees

Multi-vertical Indian brands must prepare a classification map early to prevent scattered or inconsistent filings.

5. Classification Must Align With Pre-Filing Requirements

Before locking your class strategy, ensure your documentation and mark representation match UAE expectations. This alignment prevents rejection under procedural grounds.

I’ve explained these pre-filing requirements in detail in my earlier article here:
Requirements for Filing Trademark Application in UAE

Ownership clarity, transliteration planning and accurate class descriptions must be in place before you file.

6. Don’t Ignore Sub-Brands, Logos, Slogans and Arabic Transliteration

Indian brands often overlook the need to classify:

• Sub-brands
• App names
• Website names
• Taglines
• Packaging marks
• Arabic transliterations

Arabic phonetics matter in the UAE — many conflicts arise from Arabic-sound-alike marks. Your class plan must account for these variations upfront.

7. Franchise, Licensing and Distribution Structures Need Additional Classes

If your UAE entry involves franchising or distribution, include classes covering:

• Marketing services (Class 35)
• Restaurant or hospitality services (Class 43)
• Certification or verification services (Class 45)

The class plan should mirror your UAE commercial footprint — not just your product catalogue.

FAQs

1. Do UAE trademark classes match India’s classification system?

Both use the Nice Classification, but UAE examiners apply it much more strictly. India accepts broader, umbrella-style descriptions, while UAE requires narrow, specific wording aligned with actual commercial use. Many Indian filings that pass easily in India face objections in the UAE. Reviewing UAE nuances before drafting specifications is essential.

2. Can Indian brands file multiple classes in a single UAE application?

No. The UAE does not permit multi-class filings. Each class requires a separate application, fee and examination. For D2C brands with multiple product verticals, this can mean filing two to four separate applications. Planning the class architecture early helps avoid piecemeal filings and reduces long-term enforcement gaps.

3. How do I determine the correct class for my UAE business?

Start with your business model. Identify your goods, services and customer interaction points. A cosmetic brand needs Class 3 for products and Class 35 for online retail. A tech brand needs Class 9 for software and Class 42 for development services. Aligning classification with real operations reduces examination risk and strengthens enforcement.

4. Does incorrect classification affect UAE enforcement?

Yes. Enforcement bodies like Dubai Economy & Tourism (DET) and UAE Customs rely on the class coverage in your certificate. If your class does not cover your actual goods or services, enforcement becomes weak or ineffective. Correct classification ensures strong rights online, offline and at the border.

5. Do Arabic transliterations matter when choosing classes?

Absolutely. UAE examiners check both English and Arabic phonetic equivalents. Many conflicts arise from Arabic-sound-alike marks. Filing relevant transliterations — and ensuring the class covers those uses — reduces objection risk and strengthens enforcement across Arabic-speaking segments of the market.

About the Author

Prashant Kumar is a Company Secretary, Published Author, and Partner at Eclectic Legal, advising Indian and global brands on UAE trademark classification, filing strategy, Madrid Protocol designations and GCC brand protection. His team helps companies avoid UAE objections through precise drafting, correct class selection and robust pre-filing planning.
For consultations: +91-9821008011 | prashant@eclecticlegal.com