UAE Introduces Comprehensive IP Fee Exemptions for Student Inventors and People with Disabilities Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has implemented a significant regulatory change aimed at bolstering innovation and inclusivity within its intellectual property landscape. As of September 14, 2026, Cabinet Resolution No. 136 of 2026, enacted by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, grants full exemption from various intellectual property (IP) registration fees for student inventors and individuals with disabilities. This strategic move underscores the UAE’s commitment to nurturing creativity and making the protection of intellectual assets more accessible to key segments of society. Scope of Exempted Services The resolution specifically provides for a complete waiver of fees for 29 distinct services related to the registration and maintenance of patents, industrial designs, utility models, and integrated circuit layouts. These exemptions are designed to reduce financial barriers and encourage greater participation in the IP system. Both student inventors and people with disabilities will benefit from an exemption on 11 common IP services. These include the crucial initial steps of filing applications for patents and industrial designs, as well as the examination process for utility model applications. Furthermore, annual payments required for maintaining the protection of rights during the second through fifth years have also been eliminated for these beneficiaries. Previously, fees for these services ranged from AED 100 to AED 1,000. In addition to the common exemptions, specific benefits have been tailored for each group. Individuals with disabilities are now exempt from an additional nine IP-related services, which previously incurred costs of up to AED 9,000. Similarly, student inventors will no longer face fees for nine other services, which had previously amounted to up to AED 4,500. Driving Innovation and Growth A representative from the Ministry of Economy and Tourism highlighted that this regulatory amendment aligns directly with the UAE’s broader policy objectives of supporting and stimulating creativity and innovation. The intention is to streamline the process for student inventors and people with disabilities to register their intellectual developments and secure their legal rights. The initiative comes at a time of notable growth in the UAE’s IP ecosystem. Statistics from the first half of 2026 indicate a 9% increase in patent applications compared to the same period in 2025. Utility model applications demonstrated even stronger growth, rising by 21% over the comparable period. In 2025, approximately 4,300 patent applications were filed across the country. The cumulative number of registered patents, utility model certificates, and industrial design applications in the UAE currently stands at 22,184, reflecting a robust and expanding innovation sector. The introduction of these fee exemptions is expected to further accelerate these trends, fostering an inclusive environment where innovation is recognized, protected, and thrives across all segments of the population.

Abu Dhabi Court Upholds Global Trademark Rights in Landmark Ruling Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Abu Dhabi Commercial Court has issued a significant ruling to halt the infringement of a globally recognised trademark within the fashion and e-commerce sector, as confirmed by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. The decision underscores the UAE’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and combating unauthorised commercial exploitation of established brands. The legal action was initiated by the owner of a prominent international trademark against a local store in Abu Dhabi. The store was found to be extensively using the renowned trademark across its product offerings, physical storefronts, advertising materials, and online promotional campaigns without obtaining the necessary permissions or licensing agreements. The plaintiff’s lawsuit highlighted that the local establishment’s unauthorised use of the brand’s name and insignia misled consumers into believing an affiliation existed with the original brand. This deception was particularly critical given that the authentic brand operates exclusively through online channels and does not maintain any physical retail outlets. The court’s verdict mandates an immediate cessation of all infringing activities. Key directives from the ruling include: Removal from Registries: The infringing trade name must be removed from the records of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and all commercial registries across the UAE. Prohibition of Use: The infringing store is permanently banned from using the brand’s trademarks in any capacity, including its trade name, online presence, or social media platforms. Product and Material Seizure: An order has been issued to halt the sale of any products bearing the infringing trademarks and to remove all related items, signage, and promotional materials from the store’s premises and operations. This ruling reaffirms the robust legal framework in the UAE designed to safeguard intellectual property and ensure fair competition, sending a clear message to businesses regarding the importance of respecting trademark rights.

UAE Adopts Latest Nice Classification for Trademark Registration Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has officially implemented the 2026 version of the 13th Edition of the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification). This significant development, confirmed on January 26, 2026, marks a further alignment of the UAE’s intellectual property framework with global standards. The Nice Classification is an internationally recognized system that categorizes goods and services for the registration of trademarks. Its adoption by the UAE underscores the nation’s ongoing commitment to fostering a robust and harmonized environment for intellectual property protection. The transition to the updated 13th edition means that all new trademark applications within the UAE, as well as existing registrations undergoing review or renewal, will now adhere to the latest classifications. This ensures greater precision and consistency in how goods and services are identified and protected under trademark law. For businesses and intellectual property practitioners in the UAE, this update necessitates careful consideration of the revised classifications when preparing and submitting trademark applications. The move is expected to enhance clarity in the registration process and contribute to more efficient management of trademark portfolios across various sectors.

UAE Overhauls Trademark Landscape with New Regulations and Digital Platforms Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has implemented significant changes to its trademark administration, marking the most substantial reform in over a decade. These developments, which took effect between late 2025 and early 2026, introduce revised official fees, new services, and a comprehensive digital marketplace aimed at enhancing intellectual property protection and commercialisation. Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025: A New Regulatory Framework Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025, issued on 8 October 2025, has recalibrated the administrative machinery and service delivery of trademark processes within the Ministry of Economy. While Federal Decree-Law No. (36) of 2021 remains the foundational trademark legislation, the Resolution serves as a subordinate instrument, refining its practical application. Key adjustments brought by the Resolution include a revised schedule of official fees for trademark filing, registration, renewal, amendments, and infringement complaints. Certain fee changes became effective from 14 November 2025. Crucially, the Resolution also established a formal services framework, detailing the scope and standards for each Ministry of Economy trademark service, including a groundbreaking expedited examination track. It further laid the legal and operational groundwork for the new UAE TM Marketplace. Industry observers note that this regulatory structure allows the Ministry to flexibly adjust fees and service levels through subsequent resolutions, facilitating responsive regulatory change without requiring extensive legislative amendments. This necessitates that businesses regularly update their trademark budgets and standard operating procedures to align with the evolving fee schedule and service definitions. Adoption of Nice Classification 13 From 27 January 2026, the UAE Ministry of Economy adopted the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification for all new trademark applications. This aligns the UAE with international standards, as Nice Classification 13 took effect globally on 1 January 2026. All new filings submitted to the trademark registry must now adhere to the updated class headings and specifications. The 13th Edition introduces meaningful shifts in class boundaries, reallocating certain product and service descriptions, adding new terms to reflect modern commercial activities, and refining existing categories. For instance, smart eyewear is now more precisely defined within Class 9, AI-powered software services have refined sub-headings in Class 42, and new terms for downloadable virtual goods (such as NFTs and digital fashion) have been introduced under Class 9 and Class 35. Trademark holders are advised to conduct comprehensive portfolio audits to ensure existing registrations, filed under earlier Nice editions, adequately cover their current goods and services. Discrepancies may necessitate supplementary filings or amendments to maintain robust protection. Expedited One-Day Trademark Examination Service A significant innovation under Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025 is the introduction of an expedited one-day trademark examination service. This premium service allows eligible applicants to receive an examination result within a single business day, a dramatic reduction from the weeks typically required for standard examination. Eligibility for the one-day service is expected for straightforward applications free from obvious descriptiveness, prior-rights conflicts, or public-order concerns. This service is particularly beneficial for businesses launching products with tight deadlines, those requiring swift registration for enforcement actions, or companies filing defensively against potential infringement. Early uptake has reportedly been strong, especially among technology and consumer-goods sectors. UAE TM Marketplace: A Hub for Monetisation and Enforcement The Ministry of Economy has launched the UAE TM Marketplace, a government-backed digital platform designed to facilitate the commercialisation and policing of registered trademarks. This platform allows trademark owners to list their marks for licensing, sale, or transfer, and to monitor their usage in the commercial sphere. The Marketplace serves a dual purpose: commercially, it supports monetisation by providing a transparent environment for trademark transactions. From an enforcement perspective, it offers increased visibility into registered marks and ownership chains, thereby strengthening a rights holder’s position in filing takedown requests or customs complaints. Brand owners can onboard by verifying their registration status, creating a profile on the Ministry’s digital services portal, and setting listing parameters. The platform also offers alert preferences to notify owners of similar or identical marks appearing in new filings or marketplace listings, enhancing proactive brand protection. Enhanced Enforcement and Anti-Counterfeit Strategies The recent reforms significantly impact trademark enforcement strategies. The revised fee structures, expedited examination processes, and the TM Marketplace collectively provide brand owners with new tactical avenues to combat counterfeiting and infringement. Effective anti-counterfeit measures in the UAE now demand coordinated efforts across multiple channels: Customs Border Seizure: Prior recordal of trademarks with federal or emirate-level customs remains a critical pre-emptive step, enabling the detention of suspected counterfeit shipments at the point of import. Civil Court Action: UAE Federal or emirate-level civil courts offer avenues for injunctive relief, damages, and destruction of infringing goods, with interim injunctions available on an expedited basis for urgent cases. Criminal Complaint: Large-scale or repeat counterfeiting operations can be addressed through criminal complaints filed with the Public Prosecution or Economic Crime Units, in coordination with the Ministry of Economy. Online Marketplace Takedown: Systematic monitoring and structured takedown programmes are essential for addressing counterfeit goods sold through e-commerce platforms like Amazon.ae and Noon. The revised fee for filing infringement complaints under Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025 has improved cost predictability, allowing rights holders to better integrate enforcement into their annual IP budgets. Businesses are encouraged to reassess their enforcement posture, update customs recordals, and systematise online monitoring programmes. Practical Action Plan for Businesses In-house counsel and IP managers are advised to undertake the following immediate actions: Nice Classification 13 Audit: Conduct a full audit of existing trademark portfolios against the 13th Edition of the Nice Classification to identify and address any classification gaps or specification inaccuracies. Budget Recalibration: Update IP budgets to reflect the new fee schedule introduced by Cabinet Resolution No. (102) of 2025, including costs for standard and expedited services. TM Marketplace Registration: Register high-value and enforcement-priority marks on the UAE TM Marketplace for both commercialisation and monitoring purposes. Enforcement Programme Refresh: Update online monitoring programmes and ensure all key marks are recorded with UAE customs with current powers of attorney. Quarterly Portfolio

UAE Intensifies Focus on Trademark Non-Use: A Critical Update for Brand Owners Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has seen a significant rise in administrative trademark cancellation actions, particularly those targeting registrations that are not actively in use. This trend follows the expansion of e-services by the Ministry of Economy (MoE) in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 36 of 2021 on Trademarks, making it an urgent priority for all trademark owners operating within the Emirates to understand and comply with local usage requirements. The core principle governing these actions, enshrined in Article 24 of the Decree-Law, is straightforward: a registered trademark in the UAE may be subject to cancellation if it has not been genuinely used for a continuous period of five years following its registration date. Any party demonstrating a legitimate commercial interest can initiate such a cancellation proceeding. Legal Framework and Consequences The mechanism for non-use cancellation allows for the removal of a dormant trademark from the UAE Trade Marks Register. This statutory provision is increasingly leveraged by competitors seeking to clear the path for their own trademark applications or by other interested parties such as former licensees or distributors. A successful cancellation has immediate and definitive consequences at the administrative level. The mark is expunged from the register, stripping the owner of all associated rights, including the ability to oppose subsequent applications or enforce customs measures against infringing goods. This also makes the mark available for new third-party filings. The “interested party” requirement is broadly interpreted, encompassing various commercial actors who can demonstrate a valid rationale for seeking cancellation, without necessarily requiring proof of their own prior use or application. Understanding the Five-Year Non-Use Rule Article 24 stipulates a five-year continuous period of non-use, calculated from the date of registration, not the filing or priority date. Even minimal, genuine commercial use within this timeframe can reset the clock, provided such use is not merely symbolic. The law does acknowledge a “legitimate reason” exception for non-use. While not exhaustively defined, the Ministry of Economy generally interprets this narrowly, accepting reasons beyond the owner’s control, such as government-imposed trade restrictions, import bans, or widespread disruptions like pandemics. Internal business decisions, like delayed product launches or budgetary constraints, are typically not accepted as legitimate excuses. Licensing and Other Considerations A critical nuance lies in the treatment of licensed use. Under Article 31 of the Decree-Law, use of a trademark by a registered licensee is attributed to the owner. It is paramount that all licensing agreements are officially recorded with the MoE; unrecorded licences risk having the licensed use disregarded during cancellation proceedings. Non-use is one of several grounds for trademark cancellation in the UAE. It can sometimes be combined with other arguments, such as claims of bad faith or descriptiveness, to strengthen an applicant’s position. Marks that survive an opposition phase but then remain unused for five years become prime targets for non-use cancellation. Evidentiary Standards for Genuine Use Proving genuine use is central to defending against a non-use cancellation. The Ministry of Economy assesses evidence based on its credibility and relevance to commercial activity in the UAE. Strong evidence typically includes: Commercial Invoices: Sales invoices to UAE customers, clearly showing the mark, product details, dates, and VAT registration. Customs and Import Records: Bills of lading, UAE customs declarations, and import permits for branded goods entering UAE ports or free zones. Bank Statements/Payment Records: Confirmations of payments correlating with dated invoices for branded products. Recorded Distributor/Agent Contracts: Agreements specifying the mark, territory (UAE), and term, ideally supported by distributor sales reports. Evidence with moderate weight includes dated advertising in UAE publications, verifiable social media campaigns, timestamped online marketplace dashboards (e.g., Amazon.ae, Noon.com), and website analytics demonstrating UAE traffic and transactions. Photographs of retail presence and samples of packaging with traceable dates offer moderate to weaker support unless corroborated by stronger evidence. Crucially, all documents not in Arabic must be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. Submitting undated photographs, unexecuted marketing plans, or evidence of use outside the UAE is generally ineffective. Procedural Flow and E-Services The cancellation process, largely streamlined through the MoE’s e-services portal, involves several key stages: Filing Request: The interested applicant submits a form via the MoE portal, specifying the mark, owner, and grounds for cancellation (Article 24), along with supporting documents and fees. MoE Review: A preliminary review by the MoE examiner for formalities, typically within 7-14 days. Owner Notification: The trademark owner is officially notified within 14-30 days of acceptance, initiating a 30-day response window (extensions may be granted). Owner’s Response: The trademark owner uploads defence evidence, affidavits, and legal submissions. MoE Decision: The Ministry issues a reasoned decision within 1-3 months after the response window closes. Appeals: Losing parties may file an administrative appeal with the Grievance Committee within 30 days, followed by a potential appeal to the Civil Court of First Instance within 60 days of the Committee’s decision. For applicants, the filing package typically includes the cancellation request form, a notarised and legalised power of attorney, a statement detailing commercial interest, and evidence supporting the claim of non-use. Strategies for Defence and Prevention Trademark owners facing a non-use cancellation notice should immediately conduct an internal evidence audit, identifying all documents that can prove genuine use within any part of the five-year period. Even minimal, verifiable commercial activity can defeat a cancellation claim. Effective legal arguments for defence include: Proof of Continuous Use: Demonstrating any genuine commercial use, regardless of volume. Legitimate Reason for Delay: Providing documentary evidence of external obstacles (e.g., force majeure, regulatory delays) that prevented use. Licensed Use: Presenting evidence of use by a duly recorded licensee. Challenging Applicant’s Bad Faith or Procedural Defects: Raising objections if the applicant acted in bad faith or if the cancellation request has procedural flaws. A comprehensive defence submission to the MoE typically includes a formal cover letter, a chronological evidence schedule, a legal submission citing relevant articles, and a notarised affidavit of use from a company officer. To proactively avoid non-use

UAE Bolsters Succession Planning Framework Amidst Rising Family Wealth Complexity Dubai, UAE – The United Arab Emirates is witnessing an escalating focus on comprehensive succession planning, driven by the increasing complexity of family wealth, the international mobility of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), and the generational transition within family-owned enterprises. This trend highlights the critical need for sophisticated legal and governance frameworks to ensure business continuity and wealth preservation across generations. Evolving Landscape of Wealth Transfer The growth in scale and complexity of family businesses and private wealth in the UAE, coupled with the international spread of family members and assets, necessitates a strategic approach to succession. Beyond mere inheritance, effective succession planning encompasses the continuity of ownership, governance, leadership, and decision-making. Experts emphasize the distinction between “above the line” considerations, which involve ownership structures, overarching strategy, and inter-branch family relations, and “below the line” operations, focusing on business management, board structures, and daily functions. A robust plan integrates both levels to prevent disruptions. New Legal Avenues for Non-Muslims A significant development in the UAE’s legal landscape for non-Muslim expatriates is Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status. This legislation introduced a civil framework governing wills and inheritance, offering greater clarity and legal certainty. For non-Muslim HNWIs, this decree, alongside specialized services like the DIFC Courts Wills Service, provides crucial tools for safeguarding assets and ensuring their intended distribution. The DIFC Courts Wills Service, available to eligible non-Muslims aged 18 and above with UAE assets or minor children residing in the UAE, offers various will types. These can cover real estate anywhere in the UAE, shareholdings in both onshore and free zone companies, financial assets, and digital assets. While a DIFC Will can extend to non-UAE assets, individuals with international holdings are advised to seek jurisdiction-specific advice to ensure enforceability and recognition across all relevant territories. Corporate Governance and Cross-Border Considerations Effective succession planning for family businesses in the UAE extends beyond personal wills to intricate corporate governance. It requires meticulous alignment of DIFC Wills with corporate constitutional documents, shareholder agreements, pre-emption rights, and financing arrangements. The use of DIFC-based structures such as foundations and holding companies is increasingly prevalent, enabling the separation of economic entitlements from direct control. This approach ensures that ownership transfers do not inadvertently disrupt business operations or leadership, providing a stable framework for management and decision-making. Cross-border assets and beneficiaries introduce further complexities, as different jurisdictions may have conflicting inheritance laws, forced heirship provisions, and tax regulations. A holistic succession strategy must map all family assets, ownership structures, and relevant jurisdictions to develop a coordinated legal and governance architecture that accounts for these international disparities. Mitigating Commercial and Financial Risks The absence of a clear succession plan poses significant commercial and financial risks. Uncertainty regarding future ownership or leadership can lead to delays in strategic decisions, complicate access to financing, and create instability for employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners. Particularly in multi-branch families, unaddressed succession can result in debilitating disputes, litigation, or even forced asset sales, eroding the enterprise value built over generations. By differentiating between ownership and management, businesses can maintain operational continuity even as ownership transitions. Dynamic and Ongoing Process Legal experts recommend that succession planning be viewed as an ongoing governance process rather than a static legal exercise. A formal review every three to five years is advisable, with immediate updates triggered by significant life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, births, deaths), major corporate transactions, changes in family relationships, relocation, or shifts in tax residency. This dynamic approach ensures that the succession framework remains aligned with the family’s evolving intentions and the business’s operational needs. The proactive development of comprehensive and coordinated succession strategies is paramount for HNWIs and family businesses in the UAE to navigate the complexities of wealth transfer, ensure business resilience, and secure their legacies for future generations.

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