Saudi Arabia

Trademark registration Saudi Arabia - In Saudi Arabia the legal basis is the Trademark Act as per the latest amendment of 2002. The international classification of goods and services consisting of 45 classes has been adopted (exceptions: no trademark protection can be achieved for alcoholic beverages in Class 33, Christmas trees and related articles (class 28), pork meat (class 29), as well as retail services in class 35). Trademark protection is obtained by registration. It can also be acquired by sufficient public recognition.

Requirements

A trademark application has to be filed before the Patent Office (Department of the Board of Trade) by a local agent. A notarised power of attorney authenticated by a Saudi Arabian consulate is necessary. A legalized Power of Attorney is required. Foreign applicants do not need a domestic registration. Multi-class applications are not allowed in Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, a separate application is to be filed for each class of goods/services.

Procedure

The application process includes a formal examination, an examination of distinctiveness and a search for prior trademarks. It takes approximately 12-14 months from first filing to registration. Before registration the trademark application is published in the “Um-Al Qura” (official gazette of the Government). The opposition period is 90 days from publication date of the application.

Duration

A trademark registration in Saudi Arabia is valid for 10 years (9 years and 8 months Gregorian calendar) and starts with registration date. The registration is renewable for periods of 10 years (9 years and 8 months).

Methods

NATIONAL REGISTRATION: If you just want to register your Trademark in one country, it is sufficient to apply for a national registration at the local trademark office.

Extra

Duly note, if the trademark has not been used within 5 years from issue of the registration certificate or has not been used later for a continuous period of 5 years, it may be subject to cancellation.