UAE opens Class 33 trade mark registration for alcoholic beverages

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has begun accepting trade mark applications in Class 33 for alcoholic beverages, effective immediately. This change modernises UAE trade mark practice and aligns it with international standards under the Nice Classification, where Class 33 is routinely used for alcoholic beverages. The UAE has been a member of the Madrid System since December 2021.

Brand owners with existing Class 32 registrations do not necessarily need to refile entire portfolios. However, for house marks, flagship brands and commercially important product names, owners should consider filing directly in Class 33 to strengthen protection. The Trade Mark Office is expected to cross-examine related classes when assessing earlier rights, so existing Class 32 registrations should remain important when later Class 33 applications are examined.

Under the Nice Classification, Class 33 covers alcoholic beverages except beer, which falls within Class 32. The new approach now allows beer in Class 32 to be accepted. No special filing procedure is required—Class 33 applications can be filed through the standard UAE trade mark process. Importantly, trade mark registration in Class 33 does not authorise the import, distribution, advertising or sale of alcoholic beverages; those activities remain subject to applicable regulatory and licensing requirements in the UAE and the relevant Emirate.