The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced a major reform to its trademark service fee structure, aimed at enhancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity in the country’s intellectual property landscape. This initiative follows a Cabinet decision setting updated fees for 28 trademark services, introducing new categories, and consolidating existing charges to improve efficiency and accessibility for business owners.
Key Highlights of the Decision
1. Fee Exemptions and Reductions. Under the new amendments, members of the National Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) will benefit from a 50% reduction in trademark service fees, while People of Determination are fully exempted. This progressive measure aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to empower entrepreneurs and create an inclusive, competitive business environment.
2. Introduction of Seven New Trademark Services. The decision approves introduction of seven new services that streamline the registration process and expand protection options. These specifically include the following:
- Registration of a geographical indication – AED 6,500
- One-day trademark examination – AED 2,250
- Grievance against trademark cancellation – AED 5,000
- Conversion of a national trademark to international – AED 400
- Trademark agent registration renewal (foreign company branch) – AED 7,500
- Grievance against trademark registration refusal – AED 5,000
- Examination and study of claims – AED 2,250
3. Consolidation of Renewal Fees. Further, fees for four renewal-related services have been merged for simplicity and consistency. Depending on the timing, renewal fees now range between AED 5,750 and AED 9,750, covering both protection periods and monitoring marks. These fees are as follows:
renewal of trademark protection period during the final year of protection – AED 5,750; renewal within six months after the protection period ends – AED 6,500;
renewal of monitoring and inspection mark during the final year of protection – AED 8,250; and renewal of monitoring and inspection mark within six months after the protection period ends – AED 9,750.
4. One-Day Examination and Digital Transformation. A key innovation is the “One Day TM Initiative,” which allows for trademark examination within one business day, significantly reducing processing times. This reflects the Ministry’s ongoing digital transformation and its goal to deliver world-class IP services in line with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.
Strategic and Economic Impact
H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted that the decision strengthens the UAE’s global appeal by supporting SMEs and People of Determination, thereby solidifying the country’s position as a regional hub for innovation and intellectual property. In addition, H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry, noted that this initiative builds on efforts which includes the establishment of the Geographical Indications (GI) system for national products; joining the Madrid Protocol in 2021, enabling SME owners to register their trademarks locally and expand internationally along with integration of AI in IP services, all aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of local brands. Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini emphasized that the reform improves the flexibility and efficiency of trademark services, aligning them with international best practices.
Growth in Trademark Activity
The Ministry reported 19,957 national and international trademarks registered in the first half of 2025, marking a 129% increase compared to the same period in 2024. As of September 2025, the total number of registered trademarks in the UAE reached 402,311, underscoring the country’s rapidly growing intellectual property ecosystem.
This latest reform to the UAE’s trademark framework represents a strategic commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and efficiency. By cutting costs for SMEs, exempting People of Determination, and introducing faster, technology-driven procedures, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues to align the UAE’s intellectual property regime with global standards and its vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
If you have any questions or wish to understand how the new trademark fee amendments introduced by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism may impact your intellectual property strategy, trademark registrations, or SME-related matters, please contact our intellectual property and corporate/commercial lawyer Rajiv Suri at r.suri@alsuwaidi.ae