7 Key Notes for Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia

To successfully trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia, compliance with the country’s legal and procedural requirements is essential. Below are the key considerations for trademark registration in Saudi Arabia:

1. Preparation of Trademark Registration Documents

Trademark Sample: Ensure the trademark design (logo, image, text, or a combination) is clear. Note that registering a combined trademark (textual and visual elements) limits exclusive rights to the specific combination. Separate filings are recommended if you intend to use the elements independently.

Owner Information: Include the applicant’s name, address, nationality, and legal details. Foreign applicants must also submit notarized and legalized documents proving their legal status.

List of Goods/Services: Clearly specify the goods or services under the Nice Classification System. Carefully classify them to match Saudi Arabia’s market needs

Power of Attorney (PoA): Must be signed, notarized, and legalized by the Saudi consulate. For multi-application use, clarify the scope explicitly

2. Examination of Registrability

Preliminary Search: Conduct a search through Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP)’s database to identify potential conflicts with existing trademarks. This reduces the risk of rejection or opposition.

Market Research: Check for unregistered but commonly used trademarks to avoid disputes during or after registration.

3. Filing the Application

Submission: All applications must be filed via SAIP’s online system. The examination period generally takes 14–18 months, which may be extended if disputes arise.

Language: All documents must be in Arabic or translated into Arabic.

Fees: Registration fees are determined by SAIP.

4. Trademark Examination

**Legal Compliance**: SAIP examines the application to ensure the trademark:

– Is distinctive and adheres to Saudi Arabia’s moral and cultural values.

– Does not conflict with existing third-party intellectual property rights.

Additional Review: SAIP may request clarifications or adjustments for trademarks deemed ambiguous or potentially conflicting.

Local Agent Representation: For foreign applicants, the local agent can liaise with SAIP to address examination queries effectively.

5. Public Announcement

Approved trademarks are published in the SAIP Official Gazette. During the 60-day publication period, third parties may file objections.

6. Issuance of the Trademark Registration Certificate

If no objections are raised, the trademark is registered, and a Trademark Registration Certificate is issued.

Digital and Physical Copies: Saudi Arabia issues electronic certificates, but applicants may request a hard copy for international or formal use.

Protection Period: The trademark is protected for 10 years (Hijri calendar), approximately 9 years and 8 months in the Gregorian calendar, from the application date. Renewal is allowed indefinitely.

7. Owner Rights and Responsibilities

Use Requirement: The trademark must be actively used. Non-use for five consecutive years can lead to cancellation.

Timely Renewal: Renewal requests should be filed 12 months before expiration (Hijri calendar). Upon renewal, the protection period is extended for another 10 years.

Given Saudi Arabia’s unique legal framework and the requirement for Arabic documentation, seeking legal advice is strongly recommended.

For consultation on trademark registration in Saudi Arabia or other countries, contact Anlis:

Hotline/Zalo: +84 899 88 6060

Email: ip@anlis.vn

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