A noteworthy development for beverage brand owners in the UAE, the UAE Trade Mark Office is now accepting Class 33 trade mark applications for alcoholic beverages, with immediate effect.

Previously Class 33 was unavailable for trade mark registration in the UAE. As a result, owners of wines, spirits and other alcoholic beverage brands typically relied on Class 32 registrations as part of their UAE trade mark protection strategy. Brand owners should now consider direct Class 33 filings for key brands and product ranges.

Notably, this development relates to trade mark protection only. It does not affect the regulatory or licensing requirements governing the import, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages in the UAE.

KISCH IP is assisting clients in assessing the impact of this development on their UAE trade mark portfolios, identifying strategic filing opportunities and securing protection under the new Class 33 practice. For more information and guidance on protecting your brands in the UAE, please contact us at marketing@kisch-ip.com.