A trademark transfer binds third parties only once recorded. Learn how to transfer and renew a trademark in Saudi Arabia, the fees and the grace period.
Short answer: A registered trademark can be transferred in whole or in part, for value or free of charge. The new owner files online with SAIP and pays the transfer and publication fees; it binds third parties only once recorded and published. Renewal is every ten years, in the final year or within a six-month grace period.
What does transferring a trademark mean?
A registered mark is an asset. Article 27 of the GCC Trademark Law allows it to be transferred:
in whole or in part (for all or some of the registered goods or services);
for value or free of charge;
by inheritance, will or gift;
and it may also be pledged or attached.
By default the mark moves together with the business or project whose goods or services it identifies, unless the parties agree otherwise.
If you are buying a business, selling a brand or restructuring ownership within a group, see our trademark transfer and protection service; the details of the assignment agreement decide what you actually acquire.
Why must the transfer be recorded?
Article 27(3) is the key rule: a transfer, pledge or attachment of a trademark has no effect against third parties until it is entered in the Trademark Register and published.
In practice:
the sale agreement binds buyer and seller, but it does not protect you against third parties until recorded;
in a dispute with an infringer, the owner shown on the register is the one that counts;
the register is open to inspection and certified extracts are available (Article 6), so check it before you buy.
What happens to the trademark when a business is sold?
Under Article 28, the sale of a business includes the registered marks closely linked to it, unless agreed otherwise. If the business is sold without the mark, the seller may keep producing the same goods or services, again unless agreed otherwise.
Practical lesson: state expressly in the sale agreement which marks transfer and for which goods and services. See also our contract review checklist (upcoming).
How do you file a transfer with SAIP?
According to SAIP's service page, the new owner:
logs in to SAIP's e-services via national single sign-on or email;
selects "Trademark ownership transfer" and completes the form;
pays the transfer fee;
receives acceptance and the publication invoice;
pays the publication fee, and the transfer is published.
Applications filed after 19 December 2023 are handled on the unified platform; older ones on the legacy system. The page does not list the supporting documents, so prepare a clear written agreement evidencing the transfer and check SAIP's current requirements.
What to check before buying a trademark
the seller is the recorded owner;
the registration is in force and not about to lapse;
no pledge or attachment is recorded;
no recorded licence will survive the sale;
the mark is genuinely used — five consecutive years of non-use can lead to court cancellation (Article 24).
What are the transfer fees and timeline?
Per SAIP's service page at the time of writing: transfer fee SAR 1,000, publication fee SAR 500, processing within one to five working days. Fees may change; check before paying.
Transfer or licence — what is the difference?
A transfer changes the owner and must be recorded to bind third parties. A licence (Articles 29–33) leaves ownership with the licensor, must be in writing, does not need to be recorded, and cannot exceed the protection term. A licence may restrict territory or duration and impose quality control (Article 30), and the licensee may not assign or sub-license unless agreed (Article 32).
When and how do you renew a trademark?
Under Article 20:
protection lasts ten years and is renewable for equal periods;
renewal is filed during the final year;
the owner may still renew within six months after expiry;
after that, SAIP strikes the mark off the register;
renewal involves no new examination and cannot be opposed.
Per SAIP's renewal service page at the time of writing: SAR 5,500 if renewed in the final year, SAR 6,500 within the six-month grace period, plus a SAR 1,000 publication fee; processing is immediate once documents are complete. Agents need a renewal power of attorney.
Illustrative example (hypothetical): a mark's protection ends at the close of a given year. The owner can renew at the standard fee at any time in that final year, or at a higher fee within the following six months. After six months with no renewal, the mark is struck off.
What if the mark is struck off?
After cancellation, a third party cannot register the same or a similar mark for the same or similar goods for three years, unless a court sets a shorter period (Article 25). That is not a substitute for timely renewal — diarise the expiry date well ahead. If your mark is not registered yet, start with our guide to trademark registration in Saudi Arabia (upcoming).
FAQ
How much does a trademark transfer cost?
Per SAIP's page at the time of writing, SAR 1,000 for the transfer and SAR 500 for publication. Check the official page before paying.
Can a mark be transferred without the business?
Yes. The default is that it moves with the business, but Article 27 allows the parties to agree otherwise. Put it in writing and record the transfer.
Can a trademark be inherited?
Yes. Article 27(2) allows transfer by inheritance, will or gift; recording is still needed to bind third parties.
What if I miss the renewal deadline?
You have six months after expiry to renew at a higher fee. After that the mark is struck off and you may need to file a fresh application.
Need a transfer or renewal reviewed?
If you are buying or selling a trademark, your renewal is due, or your mark has been struck off, request a case assessment. Kawkaba Law is based in Jeddah and serves clients across Saudi Arabia in person and remotely.
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.
