The UAE Cabinet has approved new fees for trademark services provided by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, introducing major exemptions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and People of Determination.
The decision aims to strengthen the UAE’s intellectual property framework, accelerate trademark registration, and enhance the country’s appeal as a global hub for innovation and investment.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism announced the Cabinet’s decision on updated trademark service fees during a media briefing at its Dubai headquarters, attended by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and Dr. Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Intellectual Property Sector.
UAE IP framework
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, affirmed that under the guidance of the country’s leadership, the UAE has made significant strides in developing a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework for intellectual property.
The minister said the Cabinet’s decision represents an important step in enhancing the UAE’s attractiveness to global investors while supporting SME owners and People of Determination.
Bin Touq added that the new fee structure will “help them grow, improve the quality of services offered to customers, and expedite procedures, thereby facilitating the registration and follow-up of trademarks.”
He said the decision forms part of the UAE’s wider efforts to strengthen the intellectual property sector in line with global standards.
Trademark registrations up 129 per cent
Bin Touq revealed that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism registered 19,957 national and international trademarks during the first half of 2025 — a 129 per cent increase compared to 8,711 trademarks registered in the same period in 2024.
The surge reflects the country’s growing appeal as a centre for innovation and business activity.
Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh said the Ministry has launched multiple national initiatives for intellectual property and trademarks, in partnership with both government and private entities.
These initiatives aim to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy and accelerate the shift toward a knowledge- and innovation-based model.
Among them is the Geographical Indications (GI) system — the first federal initiative designed to protect local products with distinctive features tied to specific regions in the UAE.
The UAE also became a party to the Madrid Protocol in 2021, enabling SME owners to register trademarks locally and expand internationally.
Trademark innovation
Other innovations include the “One Day TM Initiative”, which accelerates trademark registration, and the “Beyond 71” forum, designed to empower local brands through innovation. The Ministry has also integrated AI technologies into its intellectual property services.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al Muaini said the decision to amend trademark fees represents a pivotal step in improving efficiency and the competitiveness of the UAE’s business environment, aligning with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
The reforms introduce faster processing times, including a one-day trademark examination service, and strengthen protection for both local and international trademark owners.
The new fee schedule covers 28 trademark services, introducing several new categories and consolidating existing ones.
Key changes to UAE trademark fees
- New services introduced:
- Registration of a geographical indication — AED6,500 ($1,770)
- One-day trademark examination — AED2,250 ($612)
- Grievance against trademark cancellation — AED5,000 ($1,361)
- Conversion of a national trademark to international — AED400 ($109)
- Trademark agent registration renewal (branch of a foreign company) — AED7,500 ($2,042)
- Grievance against trademark registration refusal — AED5,000 ($1,361)
- Examination and study of claims — AED2,250 ($612)
- Revised service fees:
- Filing an infringement complaint — AED2,250 ($612)
- Grievance by the party against whom an objection was dismissed — AED7,500 ($2,042)
- Trademark renewal fees consolidated:
- Renewal during final year of protection — AED5,750 ($1,565)
- Renewal within six months after protection ends — AED6,500 ($1,770)
- Renewal of monitoring and inspection mark during final year — AED8,250 ($2,246)
- Renewal of monitoring and inspection mark within six months after expiry — AED9,750 ($2,654)
Exemptions and incentives
The Cabinet’s decision provides members of the National Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with a 50 per cent partial exemption on trademark service fees.
It also grants People of Determination a full exemption, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and promoting inclusivity within the business ecosystem.
Fees will apply per category — a single fee for one category and separate charges for multiple categories, even within one application.
Driving innovation and sustainability
By the end of September 2025, the Ministry recorded 402,311 registered national and international trademarks.
The reforms support the UAE’s long-term goal of strengthening its intellectual property sector and fostering sustainable growth across all industries, in line with the “We the UAE 2031” vision to position the nation as a global hub for the new economy by the next decade.
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