On 24 July 2024, the UAE Ministry of Economy issued an official notice informing IP right holders that it has detected a considerable number of patent, utility model, and industrial design annuities paid in advance for a zero amount. The Ministry highlighted that these zero amount payments were not valid, and that applicants who have made such payments will be required to pay the correct amount once the due date approaches. The Ministry stated it will issue notices to these applicants, prompting them to settle the correct annuity fees.

The Ministry later informed that zero annuity payments made in advance for due dates falling before 1 November 2024 will remain valid and that the applicants will not be required to pay the annuity again.

For due dates falling on and after 1 November 2024, applicants who made a zero annuity payment will be asked to pay the correct annuity amount 90 days before the due date. Failure to receive the automatic system alert will not be considered a valid excuse for non-payment.

The Ministry has also informed that the annuity collection will follow the new fee schedule approved and published on 13 January 2024.

By: Sara Omran

For more information, please contact Sara Omran at our UAE office.