UAE Coffee Shop Trademark Guide

Brewing a Brand in the Emirates: One Name at a Time

Ahmed had a dream: a sleek, modern coffee shop in Dubai’s Al Quoz district serving specialty cold brews with a side of live jazz. He spent months perfecting the roast, designing the interior, and crafting a name that felt iconic — Drip & Soul. But just weeks before opening, he received a notice: someone else had already registered a similar name. He had no legal rights to protect his brand. Everything—menu design, signage, packaging—had to be scrapped.

In the fast-growing UAE coffee scene, stories like this are becoming more common. Entrepreneurs focus on beans, baristas, and branding—but often overlook one crucial ingredient: trademark protection.

Why Trademarking Your UAE Coffee Shop Is Critical

According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, trademark registration is the legal method of protecting a brand’s identity, giving the owner exclusive rights to use that mark in the relevant industry class.

And the UAE coffee market? It’s booming. A 2023 report by Fitch Solutions valued the UAE’s coffee retail market at over AED 1.2 billion, with new coffee shops opening across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah at record pace.

As competition heats up, registering your coffee shop’s name and brand assets (like logos or packaging) isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Which Trademark Class Covers Coffee Shops in the UAE?

When registering a trademark in the UAE, you must choose the correct Nice Classification, the international system adopted by the UAE to organize trademark applications by industry.

For coffee shops, the primary class is:

Class 43 – Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation

This class covers coffee shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, catering services, and similar hospitality businesses.

Here’s what you can protect under Class 43:

• Your coffee shop’s name

• Your logo or stylized brand mark

• Your café slogan (if distinctive enough)

• The packaging design (when linked to food service presentation)

• The overall trade dress in some cases (e.g. color schemes or store layout if uniquely branded)

If you’re also selling coffee products or packaged beans, you may need to file under additional classes like:

• Class 30 – Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, etc. (covers coffee as a product)

• Class 35 – Retail and wholesale services (if operating a coffee brand with merchandise or ecommerce)

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Trademark in the UAE for a Coffee Shop

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

Before you even open your doors, visit the UAE Ministry of Economy’s trademark search tool (available online) to check if your intended brand name or logo is already registered. This helps avoid legal conflict and costly rebranding.

2. Choose Your Classes

You’ll need to register under Class 43 at minimum. If you’re selling packaged goods or branded merchandise, add Class 30 or 35.

3. File the Application

Submit your trademark application through the Ministry of Economy portal. The application will include:

• Applicant’s info

• Trademark name and/or logo files

• List of selected classes

• Description of goods/services

• Payment of official fees (typically AED 1,000–1,500 per class)

4. Publication and Opposition Period

If approved, your trademark will be published in the official UAE Gazette. Third parties have 30 days to file an opposition if they believe your mark infringes on theirs.

5. Final Registration and Certificate

If no objections arise, your trademark will be fully registered, and you’ll receive a certificate valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

What Happens If You Don’t Trademark?

• You risk brand theft: Another coffee shop can register your name legally and force you to change yours.

• You can’t stop imitators: Without a trademark, you have no exclusive rights, even if you were first.

• Franchising becomes harder: A registered trademark is essential if you ever plan to license or expand.

• Your investment is unprotected: Marketing, signage, and packaging can become sunk costs if you lose naming rights.

UAE Trademark Costs for Coffee Shops (As of 2024)

Here’s a rough cost breakdown:

Tip: If you’re registering multiple classes (e.g., Class 43 + 30), costs increase per class.

Smart Branding = Smart Business

The UAE is rapidly becoming a Middle East hub for specialty coffee. From third-wave espresso bars in Jumeirah to drive-thru cafés in Ajman, the market is crowded—and growing more competitive every month.

Having a unique brand is only part of the equation. Owning the rights to it is what secures your future.

How Coffea Alchemy Helps Coffee Entrepreneurs Think Deeper

At Coffea Alchemy, we believe coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s an experience, a brand, a ritual. For aspiring café owners in the UAE, understanding trademark classes and legal steps is just as important as picking the right roast or espresso machine. We aim to support thoughtful entrepreneurs who want to brew something meaningful and lasting.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Brand Before You Brew

In a market as fast-moving and competitive as the UAE coffee scene, trademarking your coffee shop under the right class isn’t just a legal formality—it’s protection, leverage, and peace of mind. Whether you’re opening a cozy corner café or building the next regional coffee brand, securing your trademark in Class 43 could be the smartest move you make.

So the question is: before you open your café doors, have you protected the name above them?