Ministry of Economy and Tourism Launches New ‘TM Market Place’ Trademark Platform

Tourism

Ministry of Economy and Tourism Launches New ‘TM Market Place’ Trademark Platform

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has launched TM Market Place, the region’s first digital platform dedicated to buying and trading trademarks. Developed under the UAE Government Leaders Programme, the platform aims to reshape the intellectual property landscape by offering trademark owners a secure and transparent environment to list and trade their registered marks.

The launch event was held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, attended by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry, and H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for the Intellectual Property Sector.

H.E. Bin Touq said the platform supports the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy by transforming legally protected trademarks into active economic assets. He emphasized that many businesses and individuals own valuable trademarks that are not fully utilized, and the platform will enable fair financial valuation and greater commercial opportunities.

The platform aims to increase the number of registered trademarks in the UAE by up to 20 percent in its first year. By providing a direct connection between trademark owners, investors, and entrepreneurs, TM Market Place reduces barriers to market entry and accelerates access to established or emerging brands.

The initiative is expected to benefit SMEs and family-run businesses by allowing them to convert their trademarks into tradable financial assets. It also supports innovation, research and development, and investment in brand-building by making intangible assets more accessible to local and international buyers.

The Ministry confirmed that the platform is operational from launch day and will be supervised to ensure compliance with UAE and international IP regulations. Transactions will be limited to national and international trademarks registered within the UAE, in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks. Secure login verification and digital payment services will ensure safe and seamless transactions.

The Ministry highlighted its broader efforts to strengthen the UAE’s intellectual property ecosystem, including the implementation of updated trademark regulations, the registration of geographical indications, and the UAE’s accession to the Madrid Protocol.

Trademark activity in the UAE continues to rise. From January to early November 2025, 34,234 national and international trademarks were registered. The first half of 2025 alone saw 19,957 registrations, marking a 129 percent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Registrations in 2024 also doubled to 31,537, reflecting strong growth and market confidence.