UAE Trademark Fees: What Business Owners Need to Know About the New Structure
- 24.10.2025
- Posted by: Uwe Hohmann
- Categories: Dubai, Middle East
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has updated the fee structure for trademark services in the UAE, introducing changes that affect both new and existing business owners. If you are operating in Dubai or elsewhere in the Emirates, these adjustments could impact how you protect your brand.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Trademarks are assets that protect your business identity, build customer trust, and create barriers for competitors. The UAE has been working consistently to position itself as a center of innovation and intellectual property protection. The latest fee structure reflects that ambition, and also introduces considerations for anyone registering or managing trademarks.
The changes apply to 28 different trademark services. Some fees have been adjusted, others consolidated, and seven entirely new services have been introduced. Understanding what applies to your business is essential, especially if you are planning to register a new trademark, renew an existing one, or expand internationally.
Key Changes in the Fee Structure
Starting with the basics, the Ministry now charges fees based on the number of trademark categories in your application. If you are filing under one category, you pay once. Multiple categories mean separate fees for each, even within a single application. This is standard practice internationally, but it is worth keeping in mind when budgeting for trademark protection.
For those filing infringement complaints, the fee is now set at AED 2,250. If you need to file a grievance after an objection against you has been dismissed, that costs AED 7,500.
New Services You Should Know About
The Ministry has introduced seven new services, and some of these are particularly relevant for growing businesses. One standout is the one day trademark examination service, priced at AED 2,250. This fast track option allows your trademark application to be reviewed within a single day, which can be valuable if you need to move quickly on branding or product launches.
Another addition is the ability to convert a national trademark into an international one for AED 400. This is a cost effective way to expand your brand protection beyond the UAE without starting the entire registration process from scratch. The UAE is a signatory to the Madrid Protocol, which simplifies international trademark registration, and this new service aligns with that framework.
For businesses dealing with geographical indications, registration now costs AED 6,500. Geographical indications protect products with specific regional characteristics, such as traditional goods tied to a particular area. This is less common for most businesses but relevant for certain industries.
Support for Small Businesses and People of Determination
The fee structure includes targeted relief for specific groups. Members of the National Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises receive a 50 per cent reduction on trademark service fees. This is a significant saving and part of the broader national campaign positioning the UAE as a startup hub.
People of Determination receive a full exemption from trademark fees. This reflects the UAE government’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and creating equal opportunities for all business owners.
If your business qualifies under either category, make sure you are taking advantage of these reductions. The savings can be substantial, especially if you are registering multiple trademarks or planning renewals.
What the Numbers Tell Us
Between January and June 2025, the Ministry registered 19,957 national and international trademarks. That represents a 129 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. By the end of September 2025, the total number of registered trademarks in the UAE reached 402,311.
These numbers show growing confidence in the UAE as a business destination and increasing awareness among entrepreneurs about the importance of intellectual property protection. If you have not yet registered your trademark, you are not alone, but you are also falling behind a growing number of businesses that are securing their brand rights.
Comprehensive UAE Business Solutions
Our team stays current with regulatory changes, including fee structures and procedural updates, so you do not have to track every announcement from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. If you need guidance on trademark protection or any related compliance matter, we are here to assist.
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