The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has announced the Cabinet’s decision to introduce and update fees for trademark services, marking a key milestone in strengthening the UAE’s intellectual property (IP) framework and enhancing the ease of doing business.
The announcement was made during a media briefing at the Ministry’s 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.
Advancing the UAE’s IP Ecosystem
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasized that trademarks are central to the UAE’s IP landscape. Supported by Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, the Cabinet’s decision aims to enhance the UAE’s appeal to global investors, support SMEs, and empower People of Determination through fee exemptions and streamlined registration processes.
Bin Touq highlighted that 19,957 national and international trademarks were registered in H1 2025, a 129% increase compared to 8,711 during the same period in 2024, underscoring the country’s growing trademark activity.
Key Initiatives and New Services
Al Saleh noted that the Ministry continues to roll out initiatives advancing innovation and IP protection, including:
- The establishment of the Geographical Indications (GI) system to protect locally distinctive products.
- The UAE’s accession to the Madrid Protocol in 2021, simplifying international trademark registration.
- The ‘One Day TM Initiative’, enabling same-day trademark registration.
- The ‘Beyond 71’ Forum to promote local brand innovation.
- The adoption of AI technologies in IP management.
Fee Structure and Incentives
The new decision introduces fees for 28 trademark services, including amendments, integrations, and seven newly added services. Highlights include:
- Registration of geographical indication: AED 6,500
- One-day trademark examination: AED 2,250
- Grievance against cancellation: AED 5,000
- Conversion of national to international trademark: AED 400
- Trademark agent renewal (foreign branch): AED 7,500
- Filing infringement complaint: AED 2,250
- Grievance against objection dismissal: AED 7,500
Fee consolidation has also been applied to four renewal services. For instance, renewing trademark protection during the final year costs AED 5,750, while renewal within six months after expiry costs AED 6,500.
Members of the National Programme for SMEs will receive a 50% exemption, while People of Determination are fully exempt, reflecting the UAE’s inclusive economic vision.
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth
Dr. Al Muaini affirmed that the fee updates enhance service efficiency and align with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision to make the country a global hub for innovation and IP excellence.
With 402,311 trademarks registered as of September 2025, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to fostering an IP ecosystem that drives innovation, creativity, and economic diversification, positioning the UAE as a leading destination for the new economy.
