Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia - A Complete, Reader-Friendly Guide for Businesses

Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia - A Complete, Reader-Friendly Guide for Businesses

September 10, 2025

Protecting your brand is one of the smartest investments a business can make. In Saudi Arabia, trademark registration gives you the legal right to own and control the name, logo, or symbol that customers associate with your products or services. This guide walks you through what a trademark is, why registration matters, how the Saudi process works, typical costs and timelines, common pitfalls, and practical steps you can take today to make registration smooth and effective.

Why trademarks matter

A registered trademark is more than a badge; it’s a legal tool that:

  • Gives you exclusive rights to use the mark in Saudi Arabia.
  • Makes it easier to stop copycats and counterfeiters.
  • Strengthens your brand value and can be licensed, sold, or used as security.
  • Boosts credibility with customers, partners, and investors.

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) is the official body that administers trademark registration in the Kingdom.

What is a trademark?

A trademark is any sign that distinguishes your goods or services from others. Typical examples include:

  • Brand or product names
  • Logos and emblems
  • Packaging or distinctive product design
  • Taglines and slogans
  • Combination marks (word + logo)

A strong trademark is distinct, not descriptive of the product, and not confusingly similar to existing marks.

Who should register a trademark in Saudi Arabia?

You should consider registering if you are:

  • A local company operating in the Saudi market
  • A foreign company entering or expanding into KSA
  • A startup or SME building brand value early
  • A franchisor or multinational protecting a regional presence

Registering early reduces risk and cost later – especially when competitors or imitators appear.

How the Saudi trademark process works—step by step

The SAIP process is straightforward in structure, though attention to detail matters at each step. Below is the typical flow and what to expect at each stage:

1. Preliminary trademark search

Before filing, conduct a comprehensive search in SAIP’s database to avoid obvious conflicts. SAIP provides an online search service to check existing registrations.

2. Prepare and submit the application

File online with SAIP (or via a registered agent). The application includes the mark (graphical file for logos), a list of goods/services (classified by Nice classes), applicant details, and power of attorney if filed through an agent.

3. Formal and substantive examination

SAIP checks the application for formal completeness and for legal registrability. If issues are found, the office will request corrections or clarifications. SAIP has 60 days to accept, reject or request amendments after filing.

4. Publication in the Official Gazette

If the application passes examination, SAIP publishes it in the Official Gazette so third parties can oppose it. The opposition window is 60 days from publication. If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds toward registration.

5. Registration and certificate issuance

After publication (and resolution of any oppositions), SAIP issues the registration certificate. Registered protection in Saudi Arabia is valid for 10 years (Hijri calendar) and renewable indefinitely for additional 10-year periods.

Trademark Registration Costs in Saudi Arabia

When planning for trademark protection, it’s important to understand the official fees involved. The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) charges:

  • Application fees: SAR 1,000
  • Application Publication fee: SAR 500
  • Registration fee: SAR 5,000
  • Renewal fee (If the renewal is within the last year of protection): SAR 5,000
  • Renewal fee (If the renewal is within 6 months following the expiry date of protection): SAR 6,500
  • Renewal of Publication fee: SAR 1,000

Trademark Registration Timeline and Validity

The overall process can differ depending on examinations or objections, so the following should be taken as approximate:

  • Timeline: Approx. 1–3 months, including examination, publication, and approval.
  • Validity:Approx. 10 years from the date of registration, with the option to renew indefinitely in further 10-year periods.

Enforcing and maintaining your trademark

  • Record with Saudi Customs to help block counterfeit imports.
  • Enforce rights via SAIP channels and, where needed, commercial or administrative courts.
  • Renew on time and maintain clear ownership records (assignments, licenses).

Why Trademark Registration is Essential in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia attracts international investors and opens new doors for competition, protecting your brand has never been more important. Without trademark registration, your identity is vulnerable to imitation and misuse. Securing a registered trademark ensures your brand is legally recognized, safeguarded against infringement, and positioned for lasting growth in the Kingdom.

Why Partner with Reve Consult?

Trademark registration may look straightforward, but in practice, even small mistakes can lead to rejections, costly delays, or exposure to disputes. This is where partnering with experts makes a real difference.

At Reve Consult, we don’t just handle paperwork—we guide businesses through the entire journey of protecting their brand in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Our support covers every critical stage:

  • Comprehensive trademark searches and risk analysis to ensure your brand is unique and protected from the start.
  • Tailored applications and specifications that meet SAIP’s exact requirements and reduce the chances of rejection.
  • Full filing management with SAIP, including payments, follow-ups, and publication monitoring.
  • Expert handling of disputes, such as oppositions, cancellations, or appeals.
  • Regional and international strategies, covering Saudi Arabia, the wider GCC, the UAE, and global filings through the Madrid Protocol.
  • Ongoing protection, from renewals to customs recordables and enforcement support.

By partnering with Reve Consult, businesses gain peace of mind knowing their brand is secured, their filings are compliant, and their trademark strategy supports long-term growth in the Kingdom and across the region.

Protect Your Brand Today, Lead Tomorrow

In Saudi Arabia’s evolving marketplace, competition is fierce, and opportunities are vast. Registering your trademark isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about owning your identity, protecting your growth, and securing your advantage.

At Reve Consult, we make the process seamless, from the first search to final registration and beyond. Don’t wait until someone else claims your brand.