Saudi Arabia will join the international trademark system from 8 October 2026
New opportunities for international trademark protection in the largest country in the Middle East 9 September 2026
Saudi Arabia will adhere to the Madrid Protocol from 8 October 2026, allowing trademark owners to extend the protection of their distinctive signs to the Saudi market through the Madrid System with significant savings in economic terms and simplification of filing procedures.
What changes for trademark owners?
As of October 8, 2026:
- it will be possible to designate Saudi Arabia in new international applications filed through the Madrid System;
- it will be possible to designate Saudi Arabia within the international trademarks already filed;
- it will no longer be necessary to proceed, in the first instance, with a separate national filing to obtain protection in the country.
Main aspects of the new accession
National Examination: Saudi Arabian designations will still be reviewed by the local Office according to Saudi national legislation. Provisional refusals may then be issued or oppositions may be filed by third parties.
Deadline for provisional refusals: Saudi Arabia has declared an 18-month deadline to notify any provisional refusals of protection.
Individual Fee: designations and renewals involving Saudi Arabia will be subject to the payment of an individual fee.
Practical implications
Companies interested in the Saudi market will be able to evaluate a centralized management of the protection of their trademarks, including Saudi Arabia among the designated countries as part of their international protection strategies.
We remain available to evaluate the opportunities arising from this novelty and to provide assistance in defining trademark protection strategies in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.
