The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET) and Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone have signed a new agreement to improve access to trademark registration services for businesses. Announced on 19 October 2026, the partnership aims to make intellectual property services easier to access for entrepreneurs, investors, and companies setting up in the UAE.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector at MoET, and Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority and SPC Free Zone.
Under the agreement, SPC Free Zone can offer the Ministry’s trademark registration service to its customers upon request. The partnership also includes technical support, staff training, information sharing, and joint awareness programmes.
The development is relevant to businesses planning their company formation in Dubai and the UAE, particularly those that want to build and protect a brand from the early stages of operation.
What Does the New Agreement Mean for Businesses?
The agreement creates a more direct route for SPC Free Zone customers to access the Ministry’s trademark registration services. MoET will provide technical guidance and training to help SPC staff understand the national trademark registration system.
Both parties will also organise workshops, conferences, and awareness activities to help business owners understand intellectual property protection.
However, the agreement does not mean that a trademark is registered automatically when a company receives its business licence. Company licensing and trademark registration are separate processes, and businesses must still meet the relevant registration requirements.
For companies using business setup services in Dubai, this distinction matters. Establishing a legal business and protecting its brand are different steps that should be considered during business planning.
Who Can Benefit From This Partnership?
The agreement is particularly relevant to publishers, creative businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs operating through SPC Free Zone. Other businesses that rely on a recognisable name, logo, or brand identity may also benefit from understanding the registration process.
A brand can become an important business asset as a company attracts customers and expands. Trademark registration can help protect that identity under the applicable legal framework.
Business owners should also consider how intellectual property fits into their wider business compliance in the UAE. Keeping licensing obligations, records, and other legal requirements in order can support more effective business management.
What Happens If Businesses Ignore Trademark Protection?
Delaying trademark registration may leave businesses exposed to disputes over similar names or logos. Such issues can create confusion among customers and may lead to additional costs if a company needs to resolve a brand conflict.
A trade licence alone does not confirm that a trademark has been registered. Business owners should therefore review their brand assets and determine which elements require formal protection.
Companies planning to enter new markets should also consider trademark requirements as part of their growth plans. Early planning can help them make informed decisions before investing further in marketing and brand development.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
Entrepreneurs operating through SPC Free Zone should contact the free zone to ask how they can access the Ministry’s trademark registration service. They should identify the names and logos they want to protect and check the relevant application requirements.
Businesses establishing operations in the UAE should also review their wider setup and regulatory needs. Professional business advisory services in Dubai can help them plan their operational requirements, while tax advisory services in the UAE can support their separate tax obligations.
How Dubai Business and Tax Advisors Can Help
Dubai Business and Tax Advisors (DBTA) supports companies with company formation and licensing, business setup planning, tax advisory, and ongoing compliance services in the UAE.
The new partnership highlights the value of planning beyond the initial registration of a company. Business owners need to understand their licensing obligations, tax responsibilities, and the separate steps required to protect their intellectual property.
DBTA can help businesses plan their setup and ongoing compliance needs, allowing owners to focus on building and growing their operations. For trademark registration itself, businesses should confirm the applicable requirements with the Ministry or SPC Free Zone.
The MoET–SPC agreement is an important development for entrepreneurs seeking easier access to trademark services. Businesses should review how the new service applies to them and take appropriate steps to protect their brand as they grow.
