UAE Cuts Trademark Fees for SMEs; Launches Enhanced IP Services

The ministry worked with the UAE government to amend trademark service fees to give impetus to small and micro-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sustainable development and growth. This measure was announced at the end of October 2025, allowing a reduction of trademark-service fees by 50% for members of the National SME Programme and full exemption for People of Determination (people with disabilities).

The fee revisions will apply to 28 categories of trademark services and include the introduction of a number of new services aimed at simplifying the renewal process and expediting renewals upon request. This trademark fee structure amendment is part of larger UAE-wide initiatives to reform its IP infrastructure, promote entrepreneurship, create economic diversification, and mobilize global brand engagement.

Background and Rationale

At a media briefing in Dubai, Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri reiterated that trademarks are indeed the basis of a competitive system of IP and that the UAE is committed to aligning the legislative framework and services with international best practices. He added that the recent Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on trademarks and its executive regulations are pertinent to that vision. He noted a considerable increase in registrations, reporting that 19,957 were recorded in the first half of 2025 compared with 8,711 in the same period for 2024, an increase of 129 percent. The number of national and international trademarks registered in the UAE surpassed 400,000 by the end of September 2025, according to reports.

According to Under-Secretary Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, the new fee structure and the new arrangements thus reflect the vision of the ministry, which is that of transforming into a knowledge- and innovation-based economy so that it becomes really an attractive destination for startups, brands, and investors worldwide.

Key Elements of the Fee Revision

Discounts and Exemptions

• SMEs: 50% trademark fee reduction for entities registered with the National SME Programme.
• People of Determination: Full exemption from trademark service fees.

Service Reform and Additions

• The ministry has defined fees for 28 trademark service categories, including filing, renewal, grievances, appeals, and new services.
• Seven new services were introduced:
  • Registration of a Geographical Indication (GI)
  • One-day trademark examination service
  • Grievance against trademark cancellation
  • Convert a national trademark to an international (Madrid Protocol) application.
  • Renewal of trademark-agent registration (foreign branch)
  • Grievance against trademark-registration refusal
  • Examination and study of claims

Renewals and Consolidation

• The amalgamation regulates renewal fees under consolidated, uncategorized groups displayed as:
  • Renewal in the last year
  • Renewal within 6 months of the due date
  • Special-category renewal gives another monitoring & inspection

Process Efficiency

• “One Day TM Initiative” becomes the maiden pole that will allow completion of an inspection in a single day instead of three months.
• Charging of fees per category implies payment of a fee for each class; if a trademark application is filed for different classes, fees shall be taken for each class, even if in one application.

Strategic Significance and Impacts

Supporting SMEs and Inclusion

The lowering of trademark service fees by 50% for SMEs and granting full exemption for People of Determination clearly spotlight the different action areas in which the UAE is trying to lower barriers for smaller players and promote inclusive entrepreneurship. Reduced fees for trademark protection can provide a lot of help to the young brands that fall under startups, especially the ones operated by persons with disabilities, further bringing in immediate awareness of IP.

Boosting the IP Ecosystem

Trademark infringement may have been held at bay by the reforms, but it has certainly encountered unprecedented growth. The huge rise in registrations indicates that an increasing number of domestic and international businesses are beginning to realize the importance of brand protection in the UAE. By streamlining service and modernization of the fees charged, this gives an IP ecosystem that may begin to attract worldwide trademarks, foreign brands, and licensing ventures, enhancing the UAE’s role as a knowledge-based economy center.

Economic Diversification and Global Appeal

The UAE is embarking on a strategic pivot: diversification, away from hydrocarbons toward advanced manufacturing, technology, exports, branding services, etc. Strong trademark and IP systems constitute the backbone for that pivot. Aligning IP services to international standards with mechanisms such as the Madrid Protocol, fine-tuning of fees, and processing timelines propels the UAE’s appeal as a regional HQ and licensing hub for international brands.

Strengthening Brand Value and Competitiveness

For SMEs and national brands, the provision of cheaper, quicker, and more accessible trademark registration translates into easy entry into markets and strengthened brand value. This is very pertinent in sectors such as consumer goods, e-commerce, food and beverage, and manufacturing, which are key growth areas for the UAE. The reforms also elevate the ease of doing business in siting and further embolden the broader “We The UAE 2031” vision to stake its claim among the world’s foremost enterprising economies.

Operational Considerations and Stakeholder Implications

Eligibility and Utilisation

In order to qualify for the 50% SME discount, companies must be registered with the National SME Programme. Businesses should check eligibility and be aware of the programme requirements for fee reduction.

Cost Impact for Service Types

Although several fees have decreased or been streamlined, significant service charges are applicable in multi-category applications or on some specialized services like GIs or accelerated examination. Small businesses have to plan their budgets accordingly.

Category-Based Fees

No fee per category means that applying for an application in multiple trademark classes will attract fees for each class. Therefore, applicants should establish their application strategy wisely and ride along with the possibilities to limit categories for cost optimization.

Processing Speed and Efficiency

The launch of the One-Day trademark examination services adds efficiency and flexibility to businesses that require quick approvals. The digital transformation process and application of automation technologies further advance the ministry’s user experience while shortening administrative delays.

Geographical Indications and Local Products

The introduction of GI registration is important for local products and heritage. It provides formal protection for commodities of regional identity, such as Emirati dates, perfumes, or craft products, and gives smaller producers and local brands a head start against competition.

International Expansion via Madrid Protocol

By the UAE joining the Madrid Protocol, trademark owners in the countries could benefit from a really simplified way of acquiring or securing an international trademark in the future. Nowadays, they can utilize the new provision of conversion for a much simpler process of expansion at lower costs for brands and exporters based in the UAE.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

The major reform measures notwithstanding, there are several points that require consideration.

• Awareness and Uptake: SMEs need to be made aware of the discounts and new services so that a wider uptake can be achieved. Outreach and education campaigns will therefore be very useful.
• Service Capacity: The trademark filings have undergone a steep increase, and the ministry needs to keep a sustained level of capacity and resourcefulness to be able to process applications efficiently.
• Affordability: Some SMEs might still consider even a 50% fee a major expense compared to their budget for starting up the business.
• Enforcement and Protection: Registration is merely a first step; monitoring, anti-counterfeiting, and other enforcement mechanisms are equally important for the protection of trademark owners’ interests.
• Global Competition: The UAE finds itself in competition with other global IP jurisdictions. Constant improvement in service quality, digitalising, and speed will keep its advantage.
• Integration with Other Reforms: Fee-reduction plans require an integration model with revenue-rationalizing economic reforms such as business ease, digital trading platforms, and investment incentives.

Implications for SMEs, Investors, and Brand Owners

As to SME entrepreneurs, this 50% reduction lowers the costs of IP protection and encourages formal brand registration, thus increasing the commercial value of their registration. Including persons of determination signifies greater inclusion and equal opportunity for all entrepreneurs.

Increased clarity and a more structured fee framework are beneficial for brand owners, enhancing predictability while reducing the bureaucratic burden. The UAE becomes more appealing as a hub for brand development, licensing, and franchising.

On the other hand, with respect to global companies, this brings the UAE in sync with international IP standards, boosting Dubai’s chances of being chosen as a regional base for trademark portfolios and brand protection.

These reforms, for the wider economy, support the transition to a high-value, innovation-driven type of economy. The more the world’s doings are towards IP protection, the more we relate to investments in creative industries, manufacturing, and digital services, some key growth pillars for the future.

Conclusion

The UAE dramatically reduces trademark fees for SMEs, granting People of Determination full exemptions, introducing new fast-tracked IP activities in a bid to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. This act of making brand protection affordable and accessible empowers small businesses, stimulating this inclusive growth area and positioning the UAE as the next logical location for regional intellectual property and innovation.

These reforms send out a clear signal. Establishing a strong economy in the 21st century requires not only infrastructure and capital but also ideas, creativity, and brand identity. The UAE’s latest move strengthens that foundation, ensuring entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes can protect and grow their brands in one of the most dynamic business environments globally.