The UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced a significant reduction in trademark fees, with a 50 per cent discount for members of the National SME Programme. This move is aimed at boosting the country’s appeal to international investors and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and people of determination. Additionally, people of determination are now fully exempt from trademark service fees under the new amendments.
Key Changes in Trademark Fee Structure
Among the most notable changes is the reduction in the fee for filing a grievance against a decision to dismiss an objection, which has been halved from Dh7,000 to Dh3,750. The fee for filing an infringement complaint is set at Dh2,250, while the fee for a grievance by the party against whom the objection was dismissed stands at Dh7,500. These changes aim to make the trademark registration process more affordable and accessible, especially for SMEs.
The new fee structure also provides clarity on how fees are applied. If a trademark application involves multiple categories, the fees are collected separately for each category, even if submitted within a single application. This ensures transparency and fair pricing for all applicants.
New Trademark Services Introduced
Along with the fee reductions, the ministry has introduced seven new trademark services. These include the registration of a geographical indication at Dh6,500, a one-day trademark examination at Dh2,250, and a grievance process for trademark cancellation at Dh5,000. Furthermore, companies can now convert a national trademark to an international one for just Dh400.
The ministry has also streamlined the trademark renewal process by consolidating the fees for several services. These include the renewal of the trademark protection period during the final year of protection (Dh5,750) and the renewal of monitoring and inspection marks after the protection period ends (Dh8,250 and Dh9,750).
Support for SMEs and People of Determination
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, expressed that the revised fees are part of the UAE’s strategy to enhance the country’s attractiveness to international investors. By reducing the financial burden on businesses, particularly SMEs, the UAE hopes to stimulate growth and innovation. Additionally, the exemption for people of determination aims to level the playing field, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, can access these services.
Dr Abdulrahman Hassan Al Muaini, Assistant Undersecretary for Intellectual Property at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, highlighted that any company registered under the National SME Programme can apply for the 50 per cent discount. This initiative is expected to encourage more companies to register their trademarks, which will further enrich the country’s intellectual property database.
Expanding Trademark Services and Infrastructure
The UAE continues to make strides in strengthening its intellectual property infrastructure. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, pointed to several initiatives supporting innovation in the country, such as the establishment of the Geographical Indications system for national products and the joining of the Madrid Protocol in 2021. This allows UAE businesses to register their trademarks locally and expand internationally.
These developments come at a time when trademark registrations are booming in the UAE. The Ministry registered a total of 19,957 national and international trademarks during the first half of 2025, a 129 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. The total number of registered trademarks in the country reached 402,311 by the end of September 2025, reflecting the growing interest in intellectual property within the UAE.
For UAE entrepreneurs looking to navigate these changes and make the most of the trademark services available, further information on supporting initiatives can be found through the National Bank of Fujairah’s efforts in AI-driven digital transformation or the global food innovations showcased at Global Food Week 2025.
