UAE trademark fee reform

On October 8, 2025, the UAE issued Resolution No. 102, updating trademark fees, which will take effect on November 15, 2025.

This update mainly involves the following main contents:

• Fee reduction for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Trademark fees for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be reduced by 50% to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. This adjustment will significantly lower the barriers to entry for businesses and provide more opportunities for innovation.
• Fee reductions and exemptions for special groups: The resolution specifically emphasizes exemptions for “people of determination” to ensure that these individuals can more easily access trademark services. This reflects a more inclusive approach and demonstrates the UAE’s emphasis on diversity.
• New service fees have been introduced, such as the fee for appealing a trademark refusal decision. This ensures that trademark applicants have a clear recourse process when faced with an adverse decision. The appeal fee now depends on whether the party filing the appeal is the opponent or the plaintiff, a distinction that may reflect a more complex trademark dispute resolution mechanism.
• Implementation of Expedited Examination Fees: Providing an expedited processing option for trademark applications will greatly benefit time-sensitive applicants.
• International Trademark Application Conversion Fee: When a national trademark application is converted to an international application through WIPO, an additional fee must be paid to the UAE Trademark Office.
  • From November 2, 2025, the applicable fee for an international trademark application, subsequent designation of the UAE, or renewal will be CHF 1,420 (approximately USD 1,773) per class of goods or services. This replaces the previous fee of CHF 1,630 (approximately USD 2,035).
  • The new standard will apply to international applications designating the UAE received by the receiving Office of origin on or after November 2, 2025. The fee will also apply to subsequent designations of the UAE as a signatory Contracting Party holder, filed from November 2, 2025, through a Contracting Party or directly with the International Bureau of WIPO.