Increase in official fees for Jordan trademark matters

There has been a substantial increase in the official fees payable at the Jordan trademark office by virtue of the Jordanian Prime Minister Decision No. TM/2/2/23418 effective and published on 1st December 2009 in the Official Gazette. The increases range from a four to 20 - fold increase. As an illustration, the official fees for the filing of applications have increased from US$30 to US$715 whilst the registration fees have increased from US$36 to US$143 (although publication fees of US$72 have remained the same). As regards applications which are currently pending, the new official fee tariff will also apply to them depending on the stage of the application process at which they lie. Total official renewal fees have also increased from US$72 to US$787.

Although increases in official fees can be expected from time to time, the percentage and level of increase in this instance is regarded as significant. It will no doubt have an impact on the budgetary considerations of brand owners seeking protection in Jordan. Although no official announcement has been made on increases of charges to protection of designs and patents, a similar move in these areas would not be unexpected. The writer can be contacted at y.pah@tamimi.com for further information.

We understand that the dramatic fee increases may have had a direct impact on the number of applicant's wishing to secure trade mark protection in Jordan, and for that reason there is a possibility that there will be further changes with regard to trade mark fees in Jordan in the near future.

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