The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a significant change to its trademark practice by allowing trademark registrations for Nice Class 33, which covers alcoholic beverages other than beer.

Until now, trademark protection for alcoholic beverages was generally unavailable in the UAE because applications covering Class 33 goods were not accepted. The new practice represents an important development for international brand owners seeking trademark protection in one of the Middle East’s largest commercial markets.

A Significant Change in UAE Trademark Practice

The UAE Ministry of Economy has started accepting trademark applications for goods falling within Nice Class 33, including wines, spirits, liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages, excluding beer.

The change aligns the UAE more closely with the international Nice Classification system and expands the range of goods eligible for trademark protection within the country.

For producers and brand owners in the beverage industry, this development provides an opportunity to secure trademark rights that were previously unavailable.

Which Goods Are Covered?

Class 33 under the Nice Classification includes:

  • wines;
  • spirits;
  • whisky;
  • vodka;
  • gin;
  • rum;
  • tequila;
  • brandy;
  • sake;
  • liqueurs;
  • sparkling wines; and
  • other alcoholic beverages, except beer.

Beer continues to fall within Class 32, which has long been available for trademark registration in the UAE.

Practical Implications for Brand Owners

The opening of Class 33 is expected to benefit both domestic and international businesses operating in the alcoholic beverage sector.

Brand owners may now:

  • file new trademark applications covering alcoholic beverages in the UAE;
  • extend existing international brand protection strategies to include the UAE;
  • strengthen enforcement against unauthorized use of protected brands; and
  • build trademark portfolios covering a broader range of products within the region.

The development is particularly relevant for companies that already maintain trademark registrations for Class 33 products in other jurisdictions and wish to achieve greater consistency across their international trademark portfolios.

Growing Alignment with International IP Standards

The UAE has implemented a series of intellectual property reforms in recent years aimed at modernizing its legal framework and enhancing protection for rights holders.

The acceptance of Class 33 trademark applications represents another step in aligning UAE trademark practice with international standards and reflects the country’s continuing efforts to develop a more comprehensive intellectual property system.

What Should Brand Owners Consider?

Businesses involved in the production, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages should consider reviewing their trademark portfolios to determine whether protection should now be sought in the UAE.

Companies with existing international registrations may also wish to evaluate whether separate national filings or future international filing strategies should include protection for Class 33 goods in the UAE.

As with all trademark applications, applicants should ensure that the specification of goods is carefully prepared and that any prior rights or clearance issues are assessed before filing.