The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has recently launched a new intellectual property system featuring 11 initiatives designed to strengthen innovation, creativity, and the protection of IP rights across diverse sectors.

Announced in February 2024 under the patronage of the Minister of Economy H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the integrated system marks a pivotal step in advancing the UAE’s transition toward a knowledge-and-innovation-driven economy, aligned with the We the UAE 2031 vision.

A Comprehensive IP Ecosystem

The new system combines legislative development, digital enforcement, and targeted sectoral initiatives to promote creativity and entrepreneurship. Key concepts put forward include:

• InstaBlock: An automated AI-powered system that monitors and blocks websites infringing IP rights, supported by a “LiveBan” tool to take down illicit live-streamed content in real time;
• IP Sport: A first-of-its-kind initiative to safeguard the IP of sports teams, clubs, creators, and innovators within the UAE’s growing sports industry;
• Patent Incubators & Innovation Hubs: Platforms that guide innovators through patent prosecution and foster collaboration between inventors, research institutions, and industry partners;
• Green IP: A national roadmap promoting environmentally sustainable innovation and technology localisation;
• Geographical Indication (GI) System: Protects local products linked to origin and quality, with early registrations including Dabbas Dates, Hatta Honey, and Ras Al Khaimah Ceramics;
• One Day TM Initiative: Enables trade mark registration in a single business day, accelerating time-to-market for UAE businesses; and
• IP School: A WIPO-endorsed training platform to build IP knowledge and skills among students, creators, and professionals.

Supporting SMEs and Entrepreneurs

Complementing these initiatives, the Ministry recently announced a 50% reduction of all official trade mark fees for members of the National SME Programme, as well as full exemption from payment of official fees for persons with disabilities ("People of Determination"). The measure aims to boost national entrepreneurship and encourage wider participation in IP protection.

In addition, new trade mark related services and official fees have been introduced:

• Application for Geographical Indication (GI) registration: 750 AED
• GI registration certificate issuance: 5,000 AED
• Expedited trade mark examination in one day: 2,250 AED
• Conversion of a national trade mark into an international registration: 400 AED
• Appeal against trade mark registration refusal: 5,000 AED
• Request for inspection and examination of a trade mark infringement claim: 2,250 AED
• Fees for appeals against opposition decisions now vary depending on whether the filing party is the opponent or the plaintiff.

Strong Growth in IP Filings

The UAE continues to witness a surge in IP activity. In 2023, trade mark applications increased by 9.6%, copyright registrations rose by 29.5%, and patent filings grew by 19.5%, reaching 5,108 registered patents by year-end. By September 2025, total national and international trade marks registered in the UAE surpassed 402,000, underscoring the country’s growing IP maturity.

A Modern and Flexible Legal Framework

The Ministry continues to refine IP procedures to align with international best practices. Under Federal Trade Mark Law No. 36 of 2021, submission of a notarised and legalised power of attorney remains mandatory for new filings. However, the Trade Mark Office has introduced a 90-day practical grace period for submitting PoAs – a measure that supports application continuity while ensuring compliance.

A Vision for Global Leadership

The new IP system is expected to increase the revenues of the national IP sector, facilitate the export of advanced national products and technologies, and attract greater foreign investment.

With advanced digital systems like InstaBlock, accelerated trade mark services, and incentivizing fee reforms, the UAE is positioning itself not only as a regional leader in IP protection but as a global hub for innovation, creativity, and sustainable economic growth.