UAE Launches TM Market Place: First Digital Platform for Trademark Trading

The new platform, called TM Market Place, was launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism on November 26, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. This marks a very important landmark in the management, transfer, and monetization of trademarks and intangible assets in the UAE. 

Trademarks in the UAE were once used primarily for protection. Now, they can also be bought, sold, or licensed like property. This change will give new opportunities to the business owners, startups, and investors to make money or grow their brands. 

What Does Marketplace TM Mean?

TM Market Place is a secure digital platform for buying, selling, and licensing registered trademarks. Buyers, including startups, investors, and companies, browse through available trademarks and acquire them through a fully secure online process.

It is a unique initiative taken by the government which enables the owners of trademarks registered in the UAE to list and trade their trademarks within a secure and transparent environment. The platform grants:

• Secure login and identity verification.
• Transparent pricing.
• Digital contracts.
• Legally compliant ownership transfer.
• Payment through a secure channel.

This connects the process of trademark registration in UAE with real economic opportunity that allows trademarks to be transferred or monetised in a regulated framework.

Why TM Market Place Matters

1. Financially Realizing Intangible Assets

Many companies in the UAE have registered trademarks but do not use them. TM Market Place helps the owner to monetize these unused trademarks so that it can earn income on their intellectual property other than letting it go unused.

2. A Startup-Friendly Way to Get into the Market

New businesses often face challenges to establish a brand identity. This platform allows them to buy a registered trademark, thus saving time, cost, and the effort of creating a brand and registering a trademark.

3. Support to SMEs and Family Businesses

The small and medium enterprises and family-managed businesses can list their dormant trademarks and earn an income. The platform creates opportunities for such companies to leverage their existing IP assets. 

4. Strengthening the UAE IP System

By trademark trading, the UAE enhances its position as a regional hub for IP and innovation. These actions are in line with national objectives to promote entrepreneurship, attract investments and diversify the economy. The Ministry aims at achieving 20% growth in trademark registrations in the first year of operations.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

TM Marketplace is governed under the trademark laws of the UAE as specified within Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks. This guarantees:

• Only registered trademarks can be traded.
• Transfers of ownership are done according to procedures prescribed by law.
• The seller and buyer will both enjoy protection under UAE laws.
• The whole process and payments are in line with regulations.

Trademark trading becomes a secure and transparent process as the system is fully regulated by the Ministry. This makes TM Market Place not just a trading platform, but a government-backed system for trading intellectual property. 

Who Can Benefit From TM Market Place?

1. Trademark Owners: Companies, individuals, and SMEs with registered trademarks can have them listed for sale or trade. This is especially beneficial for the owners of unused or inactive trademarks.
2. Entrepreneurs and Startups: The founders can buy an existing trademark rather than spend months developing a new brand and wait for trademark approval.
3. Investors: Investors can treat trademarks as assets and take part in a new category of trading intangible assets.
4. Companies Expanding into the UAE: Companies entering the UAE market will be able to immediately secure a legally registered trademark through the platform.

How TM Market Place Works

Step 1: Create an Account: Firstly, the Users need to register on the platform through secure authentication. The Ministry underlined secure login and identity verification as a key feature. 

Step 2: List or Browse Trademarks: Trademark owners can list their registered marks for sale. At the same time, buyers and investors can browse the listings to find a brand that fits their needs. 

Step 3: Verification: The Ministry of Economy verifies that trademarks which are listed are valid and legally registered in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2021 on Trademarks (UAE trademark law). 

Step 4: Payment: Transactions are completed through secure digital payment channels. This step ensures transparency and security as it is monitored by the Ministry. 

Step 5: Ownership Transfer: The Ministry approves the transfer of trademark ownership and grants the buyer full legal rights. 

Important Points to Consider

• Only trademarks registered in the UAE are available for listing or trading.
• Buyers also need to check if there are disputes or challenges related to the trademark.
• It is the duty of the new trademark owner (buyer) to observe renewal deadlines and usage obligations after acquiring the trademark.
• Valuation of trademarks is dependent on market practice.

This makes TM Market Place a safe and effective channel for trademark trades when due diligence is properly carried out.

How Businesses Can Benefit

• Unused trademarks can generate income for their owners even while they are not in use.
• A startup can buy an already established brand instead of making one from scratch.
• Advising, consultancy, and law firms can serve clients on matters concerning trademark registrations, valuations, and transfers.
• Companies can make an immediate expansion through the acquisition of existing trademarks in the UAE.

How Trademark Consultants at FAR Consulting Middle East Can Assist

The TM Market Place can be best navigated with expert services in UAE trademark registration and intellectual property rights. At FAR Consulting Middle East, our trademark consultants in the Middle East can offer advisory support, which include:

• Trademark registration services with the Ministry of Economy.
• Valuation counseling for the fair market value.
• Legal compliance advice for transfers and licensing.
• International expansion support through the Madrid Protocol.
• Complete handling of documentation for smooth transactions.

With the help of FAR consultancy Middle East, businesses may now engage in a digital trademark trading platform with full confidence, wherein every stage is safe, compliant, and strategically helpful. Contact us today for more information.

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