Trademark class amendments and grievances before the UAE Ministry of Economy follow a procedural framework under Federal Decree-Law 36 of 2021 (the Trademarks Law). Recent amendments to multi-class registration practice mean grievance applications now resolve materially faster than they did before 2024.
Why class amendments arise
Class amendments most commonly arise where: (i) the original Nice classification under-described the actual goods or services covered; (ii) the trademark owner expanded into adjacent product or service categories not contemplated at registration; or (iii) an opposition or office-action requires narrowing or restating the class scope. The framework recognises both narrowing amendments (relatively procedural) and broadening amendments (substantively more contested).
The grievance route
A grievance application before the Trademarks Office is filed where the registrant disputes an office-action position — typically a refusal of a class amendment, an objection to scope, or a restriction imposed during examination. Grievances are heard by the Trademarks Committee under documented procedural rules. The committee's decision is reviewable on appeal to the competent civil court.
Practical guidance
Three practical points dominate every successful grievance:
- Anchor to evidence of use. The committee weighs documented use of the mark in the disputed class — invoices, marketing material, distribution agreements, web archive evidence — heavily. Build the evidence pack before filing.
- Engage the examiner pre-filing. Where the relationship with the examining officer permits, an informal pre-grievance conversation often resolves the underlying objection without formal filing.
- Preserve the appeal option. Where the grievance is unsuccessful, the appeal to the civil court must be filed within the prescribed period — defective preservation forfeits the appellate route.
For active matters in this area, contact our IP & Data Protection practice.
Published 15 March 2026. General information only — not legal advice. Contact us for matter-specific advice.