Country: SAUDI ARABIA
Strategic Hub:
As the largest economy in the GCC, Saudi Arabia is a critical market for any global brand. Its "Vision 2030" has transformed the IP landscape into one of the most efficient in the world.
Regulatory Body:
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) is the centralized body governing all IP, known for its rapid digital transformation and AI-powered filing systems.
International Standing:
A member of WIPO, the Paris Convention, and the PCT. Crucially, KSA’s recent accession to the Madrid Protocol allows UAE-based businesses to protect their marks in the Kingdom via their international application.
Member of PCT ?
YES
Can Convention priority be claimed ?
YES
Patent Search
YES
Novelty requirement
Absolute universal novelty is stipulated in the Law. Any public disclosure before the application filing date or its priority application would destroy the novelty requirements.
Deadline for filing supporting documents
Yes- 90 days
Does the invention specification have to be translated for filing
Yes, In Arabic language. The English text is optional.
Required Documents
A scanned colored copy of Power of Attorney in the name of the applicant, with Apostille certification/Saudi Consulate legalization. The complete applicant’s name and address should be indicated in this document.
A scanned colored copy of the Deed of Assignment, if any, executed by the inventor(s), assigning the patent rights to the applicant and with Apostille certification/Saudi Consulate legalization (not required for PCT application).
An electronic or scanned colored copy of the certified priority document along with its simple English translation (not required for PCT National Phase Entry).
An electronic copy of the specification in English and Arabic prepared strictly in the
following order:
Title (not exceeding 10 words);
- The abstract (not exceeding one page);
- Background of the invention;
- Summary description of the invention;
- Brief description of the drawings, if any;
- Full description of the invention;
- Claims.
Examination
As to form, novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability
Publication
Patents are published in the Official Gazette after substantive examination and before grant
Opposition
2 months.
Duration
Patents 20 years from the international filing date, Utility patent 10 years from the international filing date, Integrated circuits 10 years from the international filing date and Plant variety 20 years from the international filing date.
Compulsory Licensing
The Patent Office may grant a compulsory license for exploiting the patent to any person upon an application filed thereof, provided that the patentee has not exploited or sufficiently exploited the invention covered by the patent within 4 years from the application filing date or 3 years from the grant date unless he justifies that with a legitimate excuse.
Annuities
Paid annually between January 01 and March 31 with 3 months surcharge grace period.
Assignment
Trademark Search
Not Mandatory- Possible for word mark & device marks
Trademark Filing
Single/Multi-Class Jurisdiction
Single class - a separate application for each class
Can services be registered
YES
Can convention priority be claimed
YES
Is the international classification
Yes - Nice Classification, 12TH addition (Class 33, alcoholic goods in class 32, and pork meat in class 29 cannot be registered)
Documentation and information required to file
Power of Attorney duly with Apostille certification/legalized up to Saudi Consulate.
Late filing of POA allowed not allowed.
Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed, certified.
Full name and address of the applicant.
Meaning/translation of the mark, if it is a wordmark.
Description of goods or services.
Specimen prints of the mark. (in JPEG format)
Opposition period after publication
60 days from publication date
Validity
Renewal
Renewal due
Grace Period
Documents required to renew
Proof of use due
Documents required to file proof of use
License
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of License
Change of name or address
Documentation and information required to file the recordal of change of name or address
A Power of Attorney in the new name or address duly with Apostille certification/legalized up to Saudi Consulate.
A legalized certificate proving the change of name or address issued by the local competent authority of the applicant’s domicile. duly with Apostille certification/legalized up to Saudi Consulate.
A simple copy of the registration certificate of the mark
Treaties and conventions
WIPO Convention, Brussels Convention, Trademark Law Treaty, Berne Convention, Paris Convention, Rome Convention, WIPO Copyright Treaty, WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, Patent Cooperation Treaty, Madrid Protocol, Nice Agreement, Patent Law Treaty, Budapest Treaty, World Intellectual Property Organization, World Trade Organization, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), GCC Patent Law.
Member of LOCARNO CLASSIFICATION
Yes
Can Convention priority be claimed:
Yes- within 6 months from the date of first filing of the priority application.
Novelty Requirement
Yes
Patent search
Not possible
Deadline for filing supporting documents:
Multiple designs
Multiple Designs Application is not possible.
Required Documents:
Required Documents: POA duly legalized up to Saudi Consulate or apostilled.
Deed of assignment executed by designer duly legalized up to Saudi Consulate or apostilled.
Priority document in the case of claiming priority(late filing within three months from the filing date is possible).
Note: the documents in points 1 and 2 should be submitted at the time of filing the application
Publication
Opposition
N/A
Duration
15 years from filing date
Compulsory licensing.:
Annuities:
Assignment:
Merger:
Name / Address:
Our Global Reach & Jurisdictions
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