UAE Drastically Cuts Trademark Costs

Trademark Registration Now 50% Cheaper in the UAE: New Discounts for SMEs and Disabled Individuals

The United Arab Emirates further strengthens its economic appeal and support system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and people with disabilities. The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has taken another significant step towards innovation and a business-friendly environment: members of the national SME program now receive a 50% discount on trademark services, while individuals with disabilities are fully exempt from associated fees.

The Role of Trademarks in Business Success

Trademarks not only provide legal protection but are also the cornerstones of a brand's identity and competitive advantage. Registered trademarks enable businesses to differentiate their products and services in the marketplace while preventing issues related to copies and counterfeiting.

To succeed in the UAE market, brand protection is essential. Recognizing this, the ministry aims to make trademark registration more accessible to domestic entrepreneurs.

Details of the New Pricing and Discounts

Under the amendment, all trademark service fees are halved for those who are members of the UAE National Small and Medium Enterprises Program. Any locally registered company can apply to join the program and immediately enjoy the 50% fee discount upon registration.

A significant change is that entrepreneurs with disabilities receive complete exemption from trademark service fees. This step not only reinforces the principle of equal opportunity but also promotes social integration and economic participation.

The ministry has also published a new fee schedule listing 28 different trademark services. These include procedures for handling complaints, registering geographical indications, as well as the one-day trademark examination.

New Services Emphasizing Digitalization and Speed

One of the most intriguing innovations is the so-called "One Day Trademark Examination" (One Day TM Initiative), which allows for the rapid assessment of applications. The service fee is 2,250 dirhams and mainly benefits innovative entrepreneurs who wish to bring their new product or service to market quickly.

Another novelty is the introduction of geographical indications (GI), which allows local producers to legally protect quality products linked to their region.

Also now available is the conversion of a national trademark into an international one for a fee of 400 dirhams, and several new appeal options have been introduced for rejected trademarks.

Changes in Renewal Fees

The ministry has simplified and made more transparent the fees for four trademark renewal services. For example, the renewal of trademark protection in the last year of protection costs 5,750 dirhams, while renewal within six months after the deadline costs 6,500 dirhams. The fees for renewing monitoring and surveillance trademarks range from 8,250 to 9,750 dirhams.

Increasing Registration Numbers and International Recognition

According to the ministry's data, 19,957 national and international trademarks were registered in the first half of 2025, marking a 129% increase compared to the same period in 2024. With this result, the UAE trademark registry reached 402,311 registered trademarks by the end of September.

This dynamic growth shows that businesses increasingly recognize the opportunities offered by trademark protection and take advantage of the discounts offered. The accession to the Madrid Protocol in 2021 was also a significant milestone that allowed for the international expansion of trademarks with a single application.

The Goal: An Innovative, Competitive, and Inclusive Economy

The aim of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism is to make the UAE one of the most attractive centers in the global business environment. The reduction and digitalization of trademark services are part of this strategy, focusing on strengthening small businesses, promoting international expansion, and ensuring equitable access among social groups.

This decision by the UAE not only provides financial relief for the affected businesses but also sends a clear message: the protection of intellectual property is crucial for long-term economic development. With the discounts, even more businesses now have the opportunity to officially protect their brands and build on stable foundations in both domestic and international markets.

Closing Thought

The newly introduced 50% fee discount and complete exemption for disabled individuals open a new era in the UAE business world. The support for brand building and strengthening market presence will impact future entrepreneurs, the startup community, and in the long term, the entire economic ecosystem. SMEs operating in Dubai and other emirates can now more easily join the global competition while keeping their intellectual property secure.

(Source of the article: Statement from the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism.)