What Is the Process of Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia?

If you’re doing business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, protecting your brand is more important than ever. A trademark is the legal shield that protects your business name, logo, product identity, or slogan from being copied or misused by others. That’s where Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia comes into play.

This guide explains everything you need to know about how to register a trademark in Saudi Arabia, including who can apply, what can be registered, the process, costs, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or established corporation, understanding Saudi trademark law is critical for your success in 2025.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is a unique symbol, word, design, or combination that distinguishes your goods or services from others. It serves as a business’s legal identity in the marketplace.

In Saudi Arabia, trademarks are regulated by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) and are protected under national law once officially registered. Without a registered trademark, your brand remains vulnerable to imitation and legal disputes.

Why Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia is Important

Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia gives businesses several crucial advantages:

• Exclusive legal rights to use the brand within the Kingdom

• Prevents others from copying or using a similar brand

• Protects your brand reputation and identity

• Enables legal action against counterfeiters or infringers

• Adds value to your business assets for franchising or sale

• Makes expansion into GCC and international markets easier

In 2025, with increased foreign investment and economic diversification, registering your trademark early is not just smart—it’s essential.

Who Can Register a Trademark in Saudi Arabia?

You can apply for a trademark in Saudi Arabia if you are:

• A Saudi national or resident operating a business

• A foreign company with a local license or representative

• A legal entity registered in the Kingdom

• A trademark agent acting on behalf of a company

If you’re a foreign investor, you must either register your business locally or work through a licensed trademark attorney in Saudi Arabia.

What Can Be Registered as a Trademark?

You can register the following under Saudi trademark law:

• Words and names (brand names, slogans, phrases)

• Logos and graphic designs

• Letters or numerals used as brand identifiers

• Product packaging designs

• Sounds (like jingles)

• Color combinations, if distinctively tied to a product

• Trade dress (overall look of a product or store layout)

However, generic names, immoral phrases, religious symbols, and deceptive marks are not allowed.

Trademark Registration Process in Saudi Arabia

The process of registering a trademark in Saudi Arabia is digital and streamlined. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search

Before applying, conduct a preliminary trademark search through SAIP to ensure your mark isn’t already registered or too similar to an existing one.

This reduces the risk of rejection and speeds up the process.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need:

• Trademark representation (logo or wordmark)

• Applicant’s commercial registration certificate

• Power of Attorney, if using a trademark agent

• Translation of documents if they’re not in Arabic

Step 3: Submit the Application Online

File your application on the official SAIP portal. Fill in the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee.

Step 4: Formal Examination

SAIP examines the application for:

• Completeness of documents

• Legality and distinctiveness of the mark

• Potential conflict with existing trademarks

If all is in order, they move to the next step.

Step 5: Publication in the Official Gazette

If approved, the trademark is published in the Saudi Official Gazette for opposition. This allows anyone to object to the trademark within 60 days.

Step 6: Registration and Certificate Issuance

If no objections are raised, the trademark is officially registered, and a certificate of trademark registration is issued.

This certificate gives you exclusive rights for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Trademark Duration and Renewal

Once registered, your Saudi trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date. It can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.

Trademark Renewal Process

• Start renewal at least 6 months before expiry

• File online via SAIP portal

• Pay renewal fee

• No new publication or opposition stage for renewals

Failure to renew on time could result in cancellation, making your brand vulnerable to misuse.

Trademark Costs in Saudi Arabia

The cost of trademark registration in Saudi Arabia depends on multiple factors:

Working with a licensed trademark consultant may incur additional service charges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Trademark Registration

To avoid delays or rejection:

• Don’t skip the pre-filing trademark search

• Avoid using descriptive or generic terms as your mark

• Ensure documents are accurate and complete

• File under the correct class of goods or services

• Don’t delay publication fee payments

Working with a local expert helps you navigate these challenges.

Trademark Classes in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia follows the Nice Classification System, which divides goods and services into 45 classes:

• Classes 1–34: Goods

• Classes 35–45: Services

When registering, choose the right class(es) that apply to your business. For example:

• Class 35: Retail and marketing services

• Class 9: Software and electronic devices

• Class 43: Restaurants and food services

Registering under the wrong class could leave your mark unprotected in your actual industry.

Can Foreign Companies Register a Trademark in Saudi Arabia?

Yes. Foreign companies can register a trademark if:

• They have a registered entity or commercial license in Saudi Arabia

• They use a trademark agent or legal representative

• Their trademark is not in conflict with existing local marks

Saudi Arabia is part of international treaties like TRIPS and Paris Convention, which protect foreign trademarks.

Trademark Infringement and Legal Protection

If someone uses your registered trademark without permission, it is considered trademark infringement.

Legal remedies include:

• Cease and desist notices

• Lawsuits and court orders

• Compensation for damages

• Seizure of counterfeit goods

The SAIP supports trademark owners by providing tools to report violations and enforce intellectual property rights.

Trademark Registration Timeline

Here’s the average timeline for trademark registration in 2025:

• Trademark search: 1–3 days

• Application submission: Instant

• Formal examination: 30–45 days

• Publication period: 60 days

• Final registration: 1–2 weeks after publication

Overall, the process takes about 3 to 4 months, depending on objections and document completeness.

Trademark vs. Trade Name vs. Copyright in Saudi Arabia

• Trademark: Protects logos, brand names, and product identity

• Trade Name: Legal name of your business (registered separately)

• Copyright: Protects artistic, written, or digital creative work

Make sure you register all these assets separately to fully protect your brand.

Also Read: Business Setup Consultants in Saudi Arabia

Conclusion

Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your brand identity, establish market credibility, and prevent competitors from stealing your image. With the Kingdom’s growing economic diversification and its push for innovation, owning your brand legally is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Whether you’re entering the Saudi market or expanding your brand presence, your trademark is your most valuable asset. Protect it early, protect it right.

And if you’re launching a business alongside your trademark registration, getting the right license in Saudi Arabia is just as crucial to operating legally and growing with confidence.

FAQs

How long is a trademark valid in Saudi Arabia?

A registered trademark in Saudi Arabia is valid for 10 years, renewable every decade.

Can a foreigner register a trademark in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, foreigners and foreign companies can register trademarks through a local entity or authorized legal representative.

Do I need to register in Arabic?

The trademark must be registered in Arabic, but foreign names and logos can also be protected alongside translations.

Can I register the same trademark under different classes?

Yes, but you must file and pay separately for each class.

What happens if my trademark is not renewed?

Your trademark will expire and may become available for third-party registration.