UAE Lifts Restrictions on Class 33 Trademark Applications for Alcoholic Beverages
The UAE trademark authority has reportedly lifted its longstanding restriction on Class 33 filings, opening the door for brand owners to seek registered protection for alcoholic beverages in the Emirates for the first time in years.
| Jurisdiction | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Nice Class Affected | Class 33 Alcoholic beverages (except beers) |
| Change | Restriction on Class 33 filings reportedly lifted |
| Effect | Applications covering alcoholic beverages now being accepted |
| Status | Subject to standard examination and registration requirements |
| Action Needed | Brand owners should review filing strategy for UAE coverage |
Note: This update reflects a reported change in UAE Trademark Office filing practice. Legacy Partners recommends confirming current examination treatment of Class 33 applications with the UAE Trademark Office, or with our team, before relying on this development for a specific filing strategy.
What Has Changed for Class 33 Trademark Applications in the UAE?
For a considerable period, the UAE Trademark Office maintained restrictions that prevented applicants from securing registered trademark protection for goods falling under Class 33 of the Nice Classification a category that covers alcoholic beverages other than beer. Reports now indicate that this restriction has been lifted, meaning the Office is accepting Class 33 applications covering alcoholic beverages.
This is a notable shift for a jurisdiction where the sale and regulation of alcohol has historically been treated with particular caution. While the change relates specifically to trademark filing eligibility rather than to licensing, import, or distribution rules, it nonetheless represents a meaningful expansion of the categories of goods for which brand owners can now seek registered rights in the UAE.
Does This Mean Class 33 Applications Are Automatically Approved?
No. Lifting the restriction removes a categorical bar to filing it does not create an automatic right to registration. Applications covering Class 33 goods will still be subject to the UAE Trademark Office's standard examination process, including review for distinctiveness, potential conflicts with earlier marks, and compliance with any other applicable local requirements. Applicants should expect Class 33 filings to be examined on the same substantive footing as applications in any other Nice class, once accepted for filing.
Why Does This Matter for Brand Owners?
- Spirits, wine, and other alcoholic beverage brands can now pursue formal UAE trademark protection rather than relying solely on regional or international registrations that may not extend enforceable rights locally.
- Earlier UAE filing strengthens a brand's position against squatters and copycats in a market where trademark rights are generally awarded on a first to file basis.
- Multinational beverage groups with existing UAE operations or distribution relationships in free zones or licensed retail channels can now align their trademark portfolio with their commercial footprint.
- Brand owners who were previously advised to exclude Class 33 from their UAE filing strategy should revisit that guidance in light of this development.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
Businesses with alcoholic beverage Reviewing existing UAE trademark portfolios to identify gaps in Class 33 coverage.
- Filing new Class 33 applications where brand protection has previously been unavailable.
- Coordinating UAE filings with any existing GCC, Madrid System, or national registrations that already cover Class 33 elsewhere.
- Confirming, before filing, that this development has been reflected in current UAE Trademark Office practice, since procedural updates of this kind can take time to be fully reflected in examination guidelines.ge brands relevant to the UAE market — whether through direct sale, free zone operations, hospitality partnerships, or duty-free channels should consider:
Ready to Protect Your Alcoholic Beverage Brand in the UAE?
Our IP consultants can guide you through Class 33 trademark registration, filing requirements, and brand protection strategies. Email us at tm@legacypartners.ae to get started.
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Updated On: 19 Sep, 2026
