Are well-known trademarks protected in the UAE even if not registered?

Yes — UAE law gives special protection to well-known (famous) trademarks, recognising that internationally renowned marks deserve protection beyond ordinary registered rights. Under the federal trademark law (Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021), a mark that is well known in the UAE can be protected even if it is not registered locally, and its protection can extend to goods or services beyond those it is normally associated with, to prevent others from free-riding on its reputation or diluting it. Whether a mark qualifies as "well known" is assessed on factors such as the extent of its use and promotion, public recognition, and its reputation among the relevant consumers — it's a fact-specific judgement, not automatic. That said, relying on well-known status is harder and riskier than holding a UAE registration, because you must prove the mark's fame; a local registration is far simpler to enforce. So famous brands are usually advised to register in the UAE anyway. If you need to assert well-known-mark protection or oppose a copycat filing, a UAE IP lawyer on LEXAI can build and present the evidence.