UAE: Trademark Office Now Accepting Class 33 Applications

The UAE Trademark Office has confirmed that trademark applications for Class 33 (alcoholic beverages) are now accepted for registration, resolving a long-standing restriction that had required brand owners in the wines and spirits sector to rely on indirect filing strategies, most commonly registration under Class 32 for beer or Class 43 for related services.

This development brings the UAE’s trademark practice into line with international filing norms and allows rights holders to align their UAE specifications directly with filings held in other jurisdictions. Brand owners with existing or planned interests in the UAE beverages, hospitality, and luxury sectors are advised to review their portfolios and consider new filings in Class 33, as well as to implement watch services for the class given the anticipated volume of new applications.