Trademark protection in Saudi Arabia
A plain-language guide for Indian brands planning to sell in the Kingdom. Your Indian registration does not protect you there, so the Saudi filing should come before the launch.
The rule to remember: register first
In Saudi Arabia, trademark ownership comes from registration, not from use. There are no common-law rights for unregistered marks. If someone else files your brand name first, you may have to oppose or cancel their mark before you can trade under it.
There are two limited exceptions. A mark that is well known in Saudi Arabia itself can be protected without registration, but the owner must prove that reputation. A business that used the mark earlier can rely on that use to oppose or cancel a later registration.
New since 8 October 2026
Saudi Arabia has joined the Madrid Protocol. An Indian business can now add Saudi Arabia to an international application filed through the Indian Trade Marks Registry, instead of filing separately in Riyadh.
Ask about a Saudi filingKey facts at a glance
| Point | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|
| Trademark office | Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), online filing |
| Law | GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Trademark Law, in force in Saudi Arabia since 2016, with its implementing regulations |
| How rights arise | By registration (first to file); prior users and owners of well-known marks have limited rights |
| Classes | The international Nice Classification; goods and services are chosen from SAIP's approved list |
| Examination | Both absolute grounds (the mark itself) and earlier conflicting marks |
| Opposition | 60 days from publication |
| Term | 10 Hijri (lunar) years, about 9 years and 8 months, renewable |
| Non-use | A mark not used for 5 consecutive years can be cancelled on another party's request |
| Madrid Protocol | Member from 8 October 2026; Saudi Arabia may take up to 18 months to notify a refusal |
Official fees are revised from time to time and are not shown here. We confirm current SAIP and WIPO fees with your quotation.
Two ways to file from India
Through Madrid (via the Indian Registry)
- One international application, based on your Indian application or registration, can cover Saudi Arabia and many other countries.
- One renewal date and one record for changes of name or owner.
- For the first five years, the international registration depends on your Indian mark. If the Indian mark falls, the Saudi protection falls with it, unless converted into a national filing.
- Examination in Saudi Arabia can take up to 18 months to come back.
Direct national filing with SAIP
- Independent of your Indian mark.
- Usually quicker to a decision, and objections are handled locally.
- Needs a notarised and legalised power of attorney and a local agent.
- A separate application for each country.
Which route suits you depends on how secure your Indian mark is, how many countries you need, and how soon you launch.
Marks that Saudi Arabia will not register
Besides marks that are not distinctive, or that conflict with earlier or famous marks, Saudi law refuses some marks that may surprise Indian brand owners.
Religious content
Words, symbols or images of a purely religious nature, or marks contrary to public order and morals.
Flags and emblems
Flags and emblems of the GCC states, other countries and international bodies, and the Red Crescent or Red Cross.
Other people's names
A person's name, photograph or logo, unless that person or their heirs have consented.
Misleading places
Geographical names that could mislead buyers about where the goods come from.
Words like "registered"
Marks containing words such as "registered", "patented" or "copyright".
Unproven titles
Honorary or academic titles the applicant cannot show it is entitled to.
Check your logo, tagline and packaging artwork for these points before filing. Changing a mark after filing is usually not possible.
If your brand is copied in Saudi Arabia
Action against infringers, whether through the authorities or the courts, is available only for registered marks, except well-known marks. Registration also gives a presumption that you own the mark.
- Administrative complaint to the Ministry of Commerce, giving evidence of infringement and where the goods are.
- Customs border measures against imports of counterfeit goods.
- Court action for an injunction, destruction of infringing goods, damages and disclosure of suppliers. Interim injunctions are rarely granted.
Licensing a Saudi distributor?
Only registered marks can be licensed. Put the licence in writing, with the registration number, both parties' details, the goods or services, the start and end dates, and the territory.
How we help
We check your brand name and artwork against the Saudi points above. We compare the Madrid and direct routes for your case, and prepare the documents. Filing and any legal advice are handled by independent professionals authorised to act before the Indian Registry or SAIP. No search or filing can guarantee registration.