What counts as trademark infringement in the UAE?

Trademark infringement in the UAE generally means using a registered mark, or a mark confusingly similar to it, on the same or related goods or services without the owner's consent, in a way likely to mislead consumers about the source. This covers obvious copying as well as imitation of a logo, name, packaging or get-up close enough to cause confusion, and it extends to counterfeiting — selling fake goods bearing someone else's mark. The federal trademark law (Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021) protects registered marks, and well-known marks can receive protection even beyond the exact goods they're registered for. Infringement can carry both civil consequences (stopping the use, damages, destruction of infringing goods) and, for counterfeiting and bad-faith imitation, criminal penalties set by the law and enforced by the authorities. Whether something crosses the line depends on how similar the marks are, how related the goods are, and the likelihood of confusion. If you suspect infringement, gather evidence (samples, listings, photos) and get advice early. A UAE IP lawyer on LEXAI can assess the mark and the available enforcement routes.