Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia goes through examination, publication and opposition, then the certificate. Learn the steps, timelines and fees.
Short answer: File online with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP): search for similar marks, then apply and pay the examination fee. SAIP must decide within 90 days. Once accepted, the mark is published for a 60-day opposition window; you then pay the registration fee and receive a certificate. Protection lasts ten years and is renewable.
Why register a trademark at all?
A trademark is whatever distinguishes your goods or services: a name, logo, drawing, colour, packaging shape or a combination. Article 2 of the GCC Trademark Law defines it broadly and even allows sound and smell marks.
Registration matters in practice:
Exclusive right: under Article 17, the owner of a registered mark can stop others from using an identical or similar sign for related goods or services where confusion is likely.
Retroactive effect: once registered, protection dates back to the filing date, so filing first matters.
A transferable asset: a registered mark can be sold, licensed or pledged — covered in our guide to trademark transfer and renewal (upcoming).
If you are launching a business or a new product line, see our trademark registration service; most problems start before filing, not after.
Who can register a trademark in Saudi Arabia?
Article 5 lists eligible applicants: GCC nationals (individuals or companies), foreigners resident in a GCC state and licensed to trade, nationals or residents of countries party to a relevant multilateral treaty, and public bodies. Companies file through an authorised signatory or an agent holding a valid power of attorney.
What are the practical steps?
1. Search for similar marks before filing
Article 3(11) bars registration of a mark identical or similar to an earlier filed or registered mark for the same or related goods or services. Search SAIP's database in Arabic and English, including similar spellings and look-alike logos. Article 9(2) is worth remembering: goods are not "similar" just because they share a class, nor "different" just because they sit in different classes.
2. Define classes and goods/services precisely
A mark may be registered in one or more classes as set out in the Implementing Regulations. Describe what you actually sell, plus what you realistically plan to sell soon.
3. File online
Applications are filed on SAIP's e-services platform using the national single sign-on, with a clear image of the mark and payment of the examination invoice.
4. Examination and decision
SAIP must decide on a complete application within 90 days (Article 12/4). The outcome is one of:
Acceptance — the mark moves to publication.
Conditional acceptance — if you do not respond within 90 days of notice, the application is deemed abandoned (Article 12/2).
Reasoned refusal — you may file a grievance within 60 days before the competent committee, then challenge the committee's decision in court within 60 days (Article 13).
5. Publication and opposition
Anyone with an interest may file a written opposition within 60 days of publication. If you receive one, you have 60 days from notice to reply in writing or the application is treated as withdrawn (Article 14/2).
6. Registration and certificate
If no opposition is filed, SAIP registers the mark once the window closes (Article 16). According to SAIP's service page, the final invoice is due within 30 days after publication ends, and the certificate is then issued online.
How much does trademark registration cost?
According to SAIP's trademark registration service page at the time of writing, government fees are paid in three stages:
StageFee per SAIP pageFiling (examination)SAR 1,000PublicationSAR 500Registration and certificateSAR 5,000
Fees can change, so check the SAIP page before paying, and confirm how fees apply if you file in several classes. Legal or agent fees are separate and depend on the scope of work.
How long does it take?
Illustrative example (hypothetical): a start-up files on the first day of a month. Examination takes up to 90 days; if accepted and the publication fee is paid, a 60-day opposition window follows; with no opposition, the final invoice is paid and the certificate issues. A clean application therefore takes several months, and longer if amendments, oppositions or grievances arise. This is an illustration, not a promised timeline.
Why are trademarks refused?
Article 3 lists what cannot be registered. The most common problems we see:
no distinctive character (purely descriptive or generic words);
similarity to an earlier mark for related goods or services;
misleading geographical names;
another person's name or image without consent;
official, religious or state symbols;
copying or translating a well-known mark (Articles 3 and 4);
words such as "registered" or "patented" inside the mark.
If your mark is refused, do not simply refile. Read the reasons and check the grievance deadline — an amendment or a reasoned grievance is often more effective than a new application.
What happens after registration?
Term: ten years, renewable in the final year, with a six-month grace period before the mark is struck off (Article 20).
Use it: a court may cancel a mark not seriously used for five consecutive years without justification (Article 24).
Watch: monitor new publications; the opposition window is only 60 days.
When do you need a lawyer?
You can file yourself, but a lawyer adds value when clearing a mark before filing, answering examiner requests or oppositions within the deadlines, filing grievances and court challenges, and acting against infringers. Kawkaba Law is based in Jeddah and serves clients across Saudi Arabia in person and remotely.
FAQ
What documents are required?
Individuals usually need national single sign-on access, a clear image of the mark and a list of goods or services. Companies need authorisation from the authorised signatory or an attested power of attorney. Check SAIP's current list before filing.
Can I file before I start using the mark?
Yes. The law covers signs that are used or "intended to be used". Bear in mind that five consecutive years of non-use can expose the mark to cancellation.
How do I search existing trademarks?
Use SAIP's search tools by name or application number, in Arabic and English, and include neighbouring classes.
What if someone opposes my mark?
SAIP sends you a copy and you have 60 days to reply in writing. SAIP then decides, and its decision can be challenged in court within 30 days.
Does a Saudi registration cover other GCC states?
The law is unified across the GCC, but registration is made with the competent office in each state. Plan multi-country filings early.
Need your mark checked before filing?
If you want your mark checked before filing, or you have received a refusal or opposition, request a case assessment and we will explain your options.
This article is general information for awareness only and is not legal advice on any specific case. Laws and fees may change; consult a licensed lawyer before acting.
