UAE Unveils Major Update to Trademark Fee Structure: Key Changes under Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025**

The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant step in reinforcing its intellectual property (IP) framework and enhancing its global competitiveness with the issuance of Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025. This pivotal resolution amends certain provisions of Cabinet Resolution No. (20) of 2020 regarding the service fees of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Effective November 15, 2025, the new framework introduces a comprehensive update to the fee structure for trademark services. The changes are designed to support local businesses, attract global investment, and dramatically streamline the trademark registration process, marking a pivotal moment for brand owners operating within or seeking to enter the UAE market.

Unprecedented Incentives for SMEs and Inclusivity

A core focus of the new resolution is to foster an inclusive and supportive business environment, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and People of Determination. These financial incentives are a clear signal of the government’s commitment to facilitating growth and innovation.

• Support for SMEs: Members registered under the UAE’s National Programme for Small and Medium Enterprises are now granted a substantial 50 per cent partial exemption on all government fees for trademark services. This measure significantly lowers the cost barrier for local entrepreneurs seeking to protect their intellectual assets.
• Inclusivity for People of Determination: In a commendable move toward social and economic inclusion, People of Determination (individuals with disabilities) are granted a full exemption from paying all government trademark service fees.

Streamlining Registration: The Era of Accelerated IP Protection

To improve the efficiency and speed of the trademark system, the Resolution introduces several new, targeted services, most notably an expedited examination process.

1. The ‘One-Day Trademark Examination’ Service

Brand owners seeking rapid protection can now avail themselves of a new express service: the One-Day Trademark Examination. For a fee of AED 2,250, applicants can request an expedited review of their trademark application, cutting down what was traditionally a process that could take several weeks to a single business day.

2. Enhancing Global and Local IP Tools

The resolution also institutionalizes support for both international expansion and the protection of unique local products:

• International Conversion: Following the UAE’s accession to the Madrid Protocol, the resolution introduces a service for the Conversion of a National Trademark Application to an International Application (via WIPO), with a nominal fee of AED 400.
• Geographical Indications (GI): A crucial step for local heritage and quality products, the new framework includes a fee for the Registration of a Geographical Indication set at AED 6,500. This strengthens protection for products unique to a specific region in the UAE.

Revision of Administrative and Post-Registration Fees

Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025 provides clarity and structure to post-filing procedures, particularly those related to appeals and litigation. Notably, certain appeals and administrative actions that were previously free now incur official government fees, underscoring the shift toward a more formalized fee-based structure for these services.

The Ministry of Economy has set or revised fees for a total of 28 trademark services. Key examples of the new and amended fees include:

Service Description	New/Revised Official Fee (AED)
One-Day Trademark Examination	2,250
Registration of a Geographical Indication	6,500
Conversion of National to International Trademark	400
Grievance against Trademark Registration Refusal	5,000
Grievance against Trademark Cancellation Decision	5,000
Filing an Infringement Complaint/Examination of Claim	2,250
Grievance against Objection Dismissal (Opposing Party)	7,500
Renewal during final year of protection	5,750
Renewal within six months after expiry	6,500

The Per-Class Fee Structure Confirmed

The new resolution explicitly confirms that trademark filing fees in the UAE continue to be levied on a per-class basis. This means that even if a single application covers multiple classes of goods or services, the official government fee must be paid separately for each individual class.

Conclusion: A Catalyst for a Knowledge-Based Economy

The updates introduced by Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025 are more than just a change in pricing; they represent a strategic governmental initiative aligned with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. By offering significant financial incentives to SMEs and People of Determination, while simultaneously introducing expedited services and formalizing procedures, the UAE is demonstrably fostering an environment that protects and promotes innovation.

For law firms and their clients, this resolution mandates a fresh review of IP budgets and strategies. The introduction of the One-Day Examination and the formalized structure for appeals provides powerful new tools for managing brand assets, but it also necessitates careful consideration of the new administrative costs for contentious matters. The message from the UAE Cabinet is clear: the UAE is aggressively positioning itself as a premier global hub for brand protection and a leader in the knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

** Disclaimer: The information contained in this news article is prepared based on analysis of official announcements and trusted, reliable news sources within the intellectual property and legal community. Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025 and its associated fee schedules have been announced, with an effective date of November 15, 2025. However, the final, official English version of the legislation and its complete implementing regulations from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism may not yet be public. As such, all figures and details provided herein are subject to change upon the release of the definitive legal text.