Saudi Arabia
Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia
Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia is handled by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP). Marks are protected under the Law of Trademarks, issued by Royal Decree No. M/21 of 1423H (2002).
Saudi Arabia is a first-to-file country: the first applicant usually wins the rights, not the first user. Filing early stops a local trader or distributor from registering your brand before you.
SAIP examines applications in Arabic, with one class per application. Most registrations take 4 to 9 months without objections and last 10 Hijri years. We help businesses in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and brand owners abroad, protect their marks across the Kingdom.
On this page
- At a glance
- Why register
- Our services
- Why choose us
- Registration process
- Searching before filing
- Documents required
- Power of attorney
- Fees
- Timeline and renewal
- Law and IP office
- National vs Madrid filing
- Use requirements
- Opposition and appeals
- Enforcement
- Language & translation
- Client stories
- FAQ
- Insights
- Nearby countries
Saudi Arabia trademark registration at a glance
- IP office
- Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP)
- Law
- GCC Trademark Law and its Implementing Regulations
- System
- First-to-file
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 12th edition, NCL 12-2026
- Multi-class filing
- No, one class per national application
- Madrid Protocol
- Yes, in force from 8 October 2026
- Language
- Arabic (specification must be in Arabic)
- Opposition period
- 60 days from publication
- Typical timeline
- 6–9 months if no objection or opposition
- Validity
- 10 Hijri years, renewable
- Official fees
- USD 1,770 (SAR 6,640) per class
- Power of attorney
- Notarised, then apostilled or consular-legalised
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Why register your trademark in Saudi Arabia
First to file wins
Saudi Arabia grants rights to the first applicant, not the first user. A local distributor or competitor can register your brand before you enter the market.
The largest GCC consumer market
KSA has the biggest population and retail market in the Gulf. Franchisors, retailers and e-commerce brands treat it as a priority filing.
Required for enforcement
SAIP complaints, customs seizures and marketplace takedowns all start from a Saudi registration. A UAE or other GCC registration does not cover KSA.
A licensable, saleable asset
A registered mark can be licensed, franchised, pledged or assigned. Saudi franchise and distribution deals usually require proof of registration.
Our trademark services in Saudi Arabia
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Trademark search
Trademark Search Services
Trademark registration
Trademark Filing & Registration
Office action response
Consultation & Legal Support
Opposition
Consultation & Legal Support
Renewal and recordals
Post-Registration Services
Trademark watch
Post-Registration Services
Why choose Legacy Partners Global as your trademark consultants in Saudi Arabia
- Licensed local agent: every filing goes through a SAIP-registered agent in KSA.
- Arabic specifications drafted by lawyers: precise Arabic wording protects the scope you need.
- Opposition and objection experience: we handle the steps after filing, not only the filing.
- Fixed written quotes: official and professional fees shown separately, before you instruct us.
- One team for the GCC: our Dubai office coordinates KSA filings with UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
A qualified attorney reviews every enquiry within one working day.
Trademark registration process in Saudi Arabia
Here is how to register a trademark in Saudi Arabia, step by step.
The KSA trademark registration system follows a structured sequence of reviews, publications, and legal checks. These steps ensure that trademarks meet all statutory requirements and remain protected over time.
Search and classify (1–3 days)
We search the SAIP register for identical and similar marks. We map your goods and services to the correct Nice classes.
Draft the Arabic specification (1–2 days)
SAIP examines the Arabic text. We draft it to match your English list without narrowing protection.
File with SAIP (same day)
We file online through the SAIP portal with the power of attorney and mark image. You receive the application number.
Formal and substantive examination (30–90 days)
Accepted marks are published in the SAIP gazette. Third parties may oppose within 60 days.
Publication and opposition (60 days)
Accepted marks are published in the SAIP gazette. Third parties may oppose within 60 days.
Registration and certificate
With no opposition, SAIP registers the mark and issues the certificate. Protection runs for 10 Hijri years from the filing date.
Ready to file in Saudi Arabia?
File your trademarkStart your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
How to search the SAIP trademark database before filing
Search before you file. SAIP refuses marks that conflict with earlier registrations, and an objection can add months to the timeline. You can run a free preliminary search on SAIP's online trademark search service by word, image and class.
A preliminary search only shows identical or near-identical records, so before filing we also check:
- Arabic equivalents and transliterations of your mark
- Marks that sound or look similar, not only exact matches
- Related classes, not only the classes you plan to file in
- Pending applications that are not yet published
We report the risks in writing and suggest changes to your mark or specification before anything is filed.
What to know before filing (5 tips)
Arabic matters | SAIP examines the Arabic specification. A loose translation can narrow or widen your rights.
Arabic version of the mark | Registering an Arabic transliteration is optional but useful. Customers and counterfeiters often use the Arabic form.
Restricted marks | SAIP refuses marks that conflict with Islamic law or public order, such as religious symbols. Goods like alcohol and pork products cannot be registered.
Colours and series | A mark filed in black and white protects all colours. File colour only if colour is part of the brand.
File before you launch | Register before signing with a Saudi distributor or franchisee, and before listing on local marketplaces.
Documents required for trademark registration in Saudi Arabia
Power of Attorney (POA)
Notarized and attested up to KSA Consulate
Applicant details
Full name, address and nationality in English and Arabic.
Mark image
A clear image of the mark in JPG format.
Company registration or passport
Commercial registration or certificate of incorporation for companies, or a passport copy for individuals.
Goods and services
Your list of goods or services, which we translate into Arabic.
Priority document
Only if you claim Paris Convention priority within 6 months of a first filing abroad.
Power of attorney requirements for foreign applicants in Saudi Arabia
SAIP requires a power of attorney in favour of a licensed Saudi agent. Foreign applicants sign it before a notary. Since Saudi Arabia joined the Apostille Convention in force 7 December 2022, an apostille replaces consular legalisation for documents from other member states. Documents from non-member countries still need legalisation by the Saudi embassy. We can file first and submit the original power of attorney within 90 days, so you do not lose your filing date.
Trademark registration fees in Saudi Arabia
Fees in USD. We confirm the full cost in writing before you instruct us.
| Service | Official fee |
|---|---|
| Trademark Search(Optional) | 270 |
| Registration(Filing to Registration) | 1,770 |
* Fees are indicative and subject to change. Contact us for the latest details.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
Approx. 4-9 months for registration in a straightforward case without objections.
Validity and renewal
A straightforward application takes 6–9 months from filing to certificate. Objections or oppositions add 3–6 months. Registration lasts 10 Hijri years from the filing date, about 9 years and 8 months in Gregorian terms. Plan renewals by the Hijri date, not the Gregorian one. You can renew in the final year before expiry, and within a 6-month grace period after it with a late fee. Renewal keeps the original filing date and full protection.
Trademark law and IP office in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia applies the GCC Trademark Law, brought into force by Royal Decree No. M/51 dated 26/07/1435H, with its Implementing Regulations. The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) examines, registers and records trademarks.
Filing, payment and tracking happen on SAIP's online portal. SAIP publishes accepted applications, renewals and recordals in its official gazette. Disputes over SAIP decisions go to the Grievances Board (Diwan Al-Mazalim).
National filing vs Madrid Protocol in Saudi Arabia
We recommend a national filing for most Saudi applicants. It avoids dependence on a base mark and gives full control of the Arabic specification. Madrid suits brands already filing in many Madrid countries at once. Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession on 8 July 2026, and the Protocol took effect for KSA on 8 October 2026.
Recommended for most applicants
National filing with SAIP
- No base mark needed.
- No central attack risk.
- Arabic specification drafted by your agent.
- Local agent required.
- One class per application.
- Official fee USD 1,770 (SAR 6,640) per class.
Madrid designation of Saudi Arabia
Madrid designation of Saudi Arabia
- Needs a home-country base mark.
- Cancelled if the base mark falls within 5 years.
- Arabic specification translated by WIPO and SAIP, with less control.
- Local agent needed only for objections or oppositions.
- Several classes in one designation.
- Individual fee CHF 1,397 per class.
Use requirements and non-use cancellation
You do not need to use a mark before filing in Saudi Arabia. After registration, any interested party can ask for cancellation if the mark has not been used for five consecutive years. Use by a licensee counts.
Keep dated invoices, packaging, store photos and online listings that show the mark in KSA. These records defeat a non-use attack.
Opposition, objections and appeals
Office objections
If SAIP refuses or requests changes, you have 90 days to respond with arguments, a narrower specification or consent from an earlier owner.
Opposition
Any interested party can oppose a published mark within 60 days of publication. The applicant files a counter-statement, and SAIP decides on the papers.
Appeals
A refusal or opposition decision can be challenged before the Grievances Board within 60 days of notification.
Trademark enforcement and infringement in Saudi Arabia
A registered trademark gives you the legal standing to stop copycats in Saudi Arabia. Without registration, enforcement is slow and uncertain, because rights go to the first filer.
What counts as infringement
Using an identical or confusingly similar mark for the same or related goods or services, selling counterfeit products, or importing goods bearing your mark without consent.
Your enforcement options
- Cease-and-desist letter: often the fastest and cheapest way to stop a local infringer.
- Administrative complaint to SAIP: SAIP's Trademark Violations Committee can impose fines and order seizure and destruction of infringing goods.
- Commercial Court action: claim an injunction and damages against the infringer.
- Criminal penalties: counterfeiting and deliberate infringement can lead to fines and imprisonment under the trademark law.
- Customs and border measures: work with Saudi Customs (ZATCA) to flag and detain suspected counterfeit shipments at entry points.
- Online and marketplace takedowns: remove infringing listings on Saudi e-commerce platforms and social media.
Defending your registration
Watch the SAIP Gazette and oppose conflicting marks within the 60-day opposition window. You can also seek cancellation of a conflicting mark that has not been used for five consecutive years.
How Legacy Partners Global helps
Our trademark consultants in Saudi Arabia handle evidence gathering, cease-and-desist letters, SAIP complaints, opposition filings and coordination with local litigation counsel.
Arabic translation and transliteration of marks
Arabic is SAIP's working language, and the list of goods and services is examined in Arabic (an Arabic specification is required). A mark written only in Latin letters can be filed as it is. Adding an Arabic transliteration (how the mark sounds) or translation (what it means) is optional, but recommended.
Protection covers the mark as filed. A Latin-script registration may not stop a local trader from using the Arabic form of your brand, so for products sold or advertised in Arabic we usually recommend filing the Arabic version too, either combined with the Latin mark or as a separate application.
Before filing, check the Arabic form for unintended meanings and make sure it matches the version you will use on packaging and in advertising.
Client stories
Businesses that protected their brands in Saudi Arabia with us.
We had a highly professional experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in Saudi Arabia. Their team provided expert guidance throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely communication, and seamless support at every stage. Their strong expertise in intellectual property and trademark services helped us secure and protect our brand with confidence.
MedsolTrademark registration in Saudi Arabia
We highly appreciates the trademark and brand protection services provided by Legacy Partners in Saudi Arabia. Their dedicated team managed the trademark filing process efficiently and provided excellent support at every stage. Their professionalism and expertise in intellectual property services were truly valuable to our business.
EdicoTrademark registration in Saudi Arabia
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia: FAQ
How long does trademark registration take in the KSA?
About 6–9 months from filing to certificate if there is no objection or opposition. Disputes add 3–6 months.
Do I need a KSA address to file?
No. Foreign applicants must appoint a registered KSA trademark agent, but a KSA address is not required.
How long does a KSA trademark last?
10 Hijri years from the filing date, renewable for further 10 Hijri-year periods.
Does Saudi Arabia allow multi-class trademark filings?
No. KSA follows a single-class filing system. Each class requires a separate
application.
Are there prohibited goods or services in KSA?
Yes. Trademarks related to alcohol, pork products, and other prohibited items cannot
be registered.
What is the opposition period in Saudi Arabia?
Once published, third parties have 60 days to file an opposition
Is there a system for expedited examination in KSA?
Currently, SAIP does not offer an official expedited examination process, but certain
cases (like pending litigation) may be prioritized informally
Can I change my trademark after filing but before registration?
No, substantive changes to the mark itself are not permitted. Only minor corrections
to applicant details or class specifications may be allowed
Are bilingual trademarks protected in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Arabic, English, and bilingual marks are fully registrable and enforceable.
What if my brand name has a negative meaning in Arabic?
SAIP will refuse marks with offensive, vulgar, or negatively connoted meanings in
Arabic, even if it’s harmless in other languages
Can trademark applications be withdrawn after filing in KSA?
Yes. Applications can be voluntarily withdrawn before registration
Can one opposition cover multiple Saudi trademark applications?
No. Each application requires a separate opposition filing.
Can I file a trademark in Saudi Arabia even if my business is not based there?
No. SAIP accepts one class per national application, so each class needs its own filing. A Madrid designation of Saudi Arabia can cover several classes in one application.
How do i choose a trademark consultant in Saudi Arabia?
Check that they file through a licensed SAIP agent, draft Arabic specifications in-house, handle oppositions, and quote official and professional fees separately.
What can I do if someone copies my trademark in Saudi Arabia?
Send a cease-and-desist letter, file a complaint with SAIP, or sue in the Commercial Court. Customs and online takedowns stop counterfeit goods.
How much does trademark registration cost in Saudi Arabia?
Registration costs USD 1,770 per class, from filing to registration. An optional pre-filing trademark search costs USD 270. We confirm the full cost in writing before anything is filed.
Do I need a local trademark agent or consultant in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Foreign applicants must file through a licensed Saudi agent with a power of attorney.
Is a UAE or GCC trademark valid in Saudi Arabia?
No. There is no single GCC trademark. You must register separately in Saudi Arabia.
Can I register a trademark in Saudi Arabia through the Madrid Protocol?
Yes, since 8 October 2026. For most applicants we recommend a national filing for full control of the Arabic specification.
Does Saudi Arabia follow first-to-file?
Yes. The first applicant generally gets the rights, so file before you enter the market.
Do I need to use my trademark before filing?
No. But a mark unused for five consecutive years after registration can be cancelled.
Do I need to register my trademark in Arabic?
Not mandatory. An Arabic version is advisable because customers and copycats use it.
What documents do I need, and does the power of attorney need notarisation or legalisation?
A power of attorney, notarised and then apostilled or consular-legalised, plus your company registration or passport, the mark image and your list of goods or services.
Insights on Saudi Arabia IP protection
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Register your trademark in Saudi Arabia today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Saudi Arabia. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search and a fixed written quote within one working day.
Reviewed by Ardra Radhakrishnan, Trademark & IP AttorneyLicensed trademark attorney
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
