UAE Trademark Reform: What the Latest Fee Changes Mean for Brand Owners

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a significant reform to its trademark fee structure, marking one of the most comprehensive updates to the country’s intellectual property framework in recent years. Issued under Cabinet Resolution No. 102 of 2025, the new regime—implemented by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism (MoET)—aims to enhance transparency, encourage innovation, and improve accessibility for businesses of all sizes.

The reform introduces a revised schedule of official fees covering 28 trademark-related services, alongside targeted reductions and new expedited options.

Key Highlights of the Reform

Support for SMEs and Entrepreneurs

In a notable move to promote entrepreneurship, the UAE has approved:

• A 50% reduction in official trademark service fees for businesses registered under the National SME Programme.

• Full fee exemptions for People of Determination.

These measures are designed to reduce barriers to entry, particularly for startups and small businesses that previously viewed trademark protection as a significant cost burden.

Introduction of an Expedited Examination Option

For the first time, brand owners may request a one-day accelerated examination service upon payment of an additional official fee. This development is expected to benefit companies preparing for product launches, investor pitches, franchising expansions, or market entry initiatives that require urgent brand clearance.

Appeals Now Subject to Official Fees

Under the previous system, certain appeals could be filed without official cost. The new framework introduces fees for grievance filings against examination refusals, cancellations, or other administrative decisions.

This change underscores the importance of strategic planning prior to filing and during prosecution, as dispute-related proceedings will now involve additional official expenditure.

Restructured Renewal Fees

Renewal fees have also been clarified and standardized. The schedule differentiates between:

• Renewal within the validity period, and

• Renewal during the six-month grace period (subject to higher fees).

The update further aligns the UAE’s practice with international IP systems and encourages timely renewals to avoid penalties.

Expanded Range of Trademark Services

The new schedule introduces structured fees for additional services, including:

• Infringement complaint filings

• Geographical indication registration

• Conversion of national filings into international (Madrid System) registrations

• Monitoring and inspection marks

This expanded clarity provides brand owners and practitioners with greater certainty in cost forecasting.

What This Means for Brand Owners

The reform signals a shift toward a more modern and commercially aligned trademark system.

For large corporations managing international portfolios, the changes improve cost predictability and offer procedural flexibility. For SMEs and emerging brands, the reduced fees significantly improve access to formal brand protection.

However, businesses should now carefully consider prosecution and enforcement strategies, as appeals and disputes will carry additional government fees.

Strategic Considerations Moving Forward

Brand owners are advised to:

• Review eligibility for SME fee reductions.

• Consider expedited examination where timing is commercially critical.

• Budget for potential appeal or grievance procedures.

• Monitor renewal deadlines closely to avoid grace-period surcharges.

Overall, the revised framework enhances the UAE’s position as a regional hub for innovation, commerce, and brand protection, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the intellectual property ecosystem.