UAE opens Class 33 trade mark protection for alcoholic products

Written By Richard Stilwell

Brand owners in the alcoholic beverages sector can now seek direct trade mark protection in Class 33 in the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant development for rights holders operating across the Gulf region.

Effective 15 September 2026, trade mark applications in the UAE may include Class 33 goods, which cover alcoholic products such as wine, spirits, whisky, vodka, rum, gin, liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages. Coverage of beers in class 32 remains available.

This development follows a similar change in Qatar, where the Trade Mark Office confirmed in April 2026 that all 45 Nice Classification classes are available for registration, including the previously restricted Class 33.

Qatar's change was widely welcomed, as it enabled brand owners to secure protection directly in the appropriate class rather than relying on alternative filing strategies.

For international brand owners, particularly those in the wine, spirits and wider beverage industries, these developments simplify regional filing strategies and allow trade mark portfolios to be structured more consistently across jurisdictions.

Recommended action:

Rights holders with interests in alcoholic beverage brands should consider:

  • Reviewing their existing UAE and Qatar trade mark portfolios for any protection gaps.

  • Filing new applications in Class 33 where core brands are not currently protected.

  • Monitoring new applications through watch services, as increased filing activity in Class 33 can be expected following the opening of the class.

Please reach out to your usual Lysaght contact if you need assistance in this region, or email us at admin@lysaght.co.uk.

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Richard Stilwell

Richard is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and manager in the Patents and Design department.  He is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the department, as well as being part of operational working groups to develop and enhance internal policies and procedures. Richard graduated from the University of Leeds in 2012 with a Master’s degree (with Distinction) in Medicinal Chemistry, which included a placement year with a major U.K. pharmaceutical company. He joined Lysaght in 2015 and has worked in the IP industry for over ten years. In 2016 Richard was awarded the Postgraduate Certificate in Intellectual Property (with Distinction) from Bournemouth University, and he became a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney in 2018. He adds a considerable skill set to the company, where he is responsible for a wide-ranging portfolio, particularly for patent cases in the Caribbean and Middle East.  In his dual role, Richard also handles prosecution and contentious matters within the trade mark department in several complex jurisdictions.

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