How to Register a Trademark
in Saudi Arabia — Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about registering a trademark with IP Saudi — requirements, documents, fees, Nice Classification, and the certified translation required by law.
Non-Arabic Trademarks REQUIRE a Certified Arabic Translation
Under Saudi trademark law, any mark containing non-Arabic words must be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation covering: the meaning of the mark + phonetic transcription + description of the visual logo. IP Saudi does not accept machine translation. Our licensed office prepares the complete document within 10 minutes, guaranteed for acceptance.
Contents of This Guide
What is a Trademark and Why Must You Register It in Saudi Arabia?
A trademark is any distinctive sign — a name, word, logo, colour, sound, or combination thereof — used to identify your products or services and distinguish them from competitors in the market. Under the Saudi Trademark Law issued by Royal Decree No. M/21 of 2020, registration grants you an exclusive right to use the mark inside the Kingdom.
Exclusive Legal Right
Registering your trademark grants you an exclusive legal right to use it inside the Kingdom for 10 renewable years — no one else may use or imitate it.
Full Legal Protection
With a registration certificate you are entitled to take legal action against any party that imitates your mark before Saudi courts, claim compensation, and request destruction of counterfeit products.
Saleable Commercial Asset
A registered trademark is a real commercial asset that can be sold, mortgaged, or licensed to a third party in exchange for fees.
Important Warning: An unregistered trademark has no legal protection in Saudi Arabia. Any competitor can register a mark similar to yours before you do and prevent you from using it. Early registration is the only solution.
Trademark Registration Requirements at IP Saudi
Before submitting your application, ensure your mark satisfies these essential requirements
Distinctiveness
The mark must be capable of distinguishing your products or services from those of your competitors. Purely descriptive marks such as 'Best' or 'Fast' are not granted protection on their own.
No Similarity to Registered Marks
The mark must not be identical or confusingly similar — visually, phonetically, or conceptually — to a mark already registered in the same class or a related class.
No Violation of Public Order or Morals
Marks containing symbols or terms that conflict with Islamic law, public morals, or public order in Saudi Arabia are not accepted.
No Deception
Marks that suggest a false geographical origin or mislead consumers about the nature or source of the product are not accepted.
No Similarity to Official Emblems
Marks that include the state coat of arms, the royal family emblem, or governmental or international flags and symbols are not accepted.
Applicant Must Have Legal Capacity
Any natural or legal person (company) registered in Saudi Arabia, or having the right to register under international treaties, may file a trademark application.
Required Documents for Trademark Registration
The required documents differ depending on the type of applicant. Here is the complete list:
Individual / Sole Proprietor
- Copy of national ID or residence permit
- Clear image of the trademark (high-quality JPEG)
- List of goods and services in Arabic per the Nice Classification
- Certified Arabic translation (for foreign marks)
- Power of attorney if filed through an agent
Saudi Company
- Valid commercial registration of the company
- Clear image of the trademark (JPEG)
- List of goods and services per the Nice Classification
- Certified Arabic translation (for foreign marks)
- Board resolution authorising the applicant
- Notarised power of attorney if required
Foreign Investor
- Company registration certificate from the country of origin
- Certified translation of the registration certificate
- Clear image of the trademark
- List of goods and services in Arabic
- Certified translation of the mark and foreign documents
- Power of attorney for an authorised Saudi agent
Certified Translation — The Most Critical Document
Any mark containing non-Arabic words requires a certified translation covering: meaning of the mark + phonetic transcription + description of the visual logo. Our office prepares this complete document within 10 minutes, guaranteed for acceptance at IP Saudi.
Trademark Registration Steps at IP Saudi
8 clear steps from initial search to receiving your registration certificate
Search for Trademark Availability
Start by searching the IP Saudi portal (ipsaudi.sa) to confirm that your mark has not already been registered by someone else in the same class. The Authority provides a free search tool that lets you view all registered and pending trademarks.
Identify the Correct Nice Classification Classes
Determine which class or classes your goods or services fall under within the 45-class international Nice Classification system. Choosing the wrong class narrows your legal protection or exposes your application to a formal rejection.
Prepare the Required Documents
Critical StepGather the required documents according to the type of applicant (individual / company / foreign investor). For foreign trademarks or marks containing non-Arabic words, a certified Arabic translation is required — covering the meaning of the mark + a phonetic transcription (how it is pronounced) + a description of any visual logo elements.
Create an Account on the IP Saudi Portal
Register your account on the IP Saudi portal (ipsaudi.sa) and select your entity type accurately: individual / small & medium enterprise / large company / foreign investor. The entity type determines the filing fees.
Submit the Registration Application Online
Upload the application along with all certified translated documents through the IP Saudi online portal and pay the filing and examination fees. You will receive an application number immediately to track its status.
Formal Examination (3 Days – 90 Working Days)
The Authority verifies that the application is formally complete: correctness of documents, certified translation, fees paid, and class selected. Any shortcoming halts processing and an amendment notice is sent that must be responded to within the specified period.
Substantive Examination (3 Days – 90 Working Days)
An IP Saudi examiner verifies that the mark meets the requirements of distinctiveness, does not conflict with public morals or public order, and does not resemble marks already registered in the same class. This is the longest and most critical phase.
Publication & Opposition — 60 Days (Fixed)
After substantive acceptance, the Authority publishes the mark in the Official Gazette for a fixed 60-day period during which owners of similar marks have the opportunity to file an opposition. Once the period ends without opposition, the final registration certificate is issued.
Trademark Registration Fees at IP Saudi
Comprehensive table of all fees related to trademark registration and management
| Service | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee (per class) | SAR 1,000 | Non-refundable if rejected |
| Official Gazette Publication Fee | SAR 500 | Payable upon substantive acceptance |
| Registration Certificate Fee (10 years) | SAR 5,000 | Upon issuance of final certificate |
| Total per Class | SAR 6,500 | Total government cost |
| Each Additional Class (full independent registration) | SAR 6,500 / class | Same total cost for each class |
| Trademark Ownership Transfer Fee | As per Authority schedule | Check the IP Saudi portal |
| Opposition Against a Competitor's Mark | As per Authority schedule | Within 60 days of publication |
| Trademark Licensing Fee | As per Authority schedule | Per licence agreement |
The fees listed above are subject to change. For the latest official fees, please visit the IP Saudi portal at ipsaudi.sa. Certified translation fees are separate and payable to the licensed translation office.
Trademark Registration Timeline in Saudi Arabia
Formal Examination
3 Days – 90 Working DaysReview of document completeness and verification that the mark is distinct and does not resemble registered marks. Duration varies depending on the nature of the application.
Substantive Examination
3 Days – 90 Working DaysThe Authority verifies distinctiveness and absence of similarity with registered marks. Duration varies depending on the volume and nature of the mark.
Publication in the Official Gazette
60 Days (Fixed)The mark is published to the public to allow owners of similar marks to file an opposition. This period is fixed and does not change.
Issuance of Registration Certificate
2–4 WeeksAfter the opposition period ends without an opposition being filed, the Authority issues the final registration certificate.
Expected Total: 63 to 150 days (depending on examination speed)
Start the registration process early — every day of delay exposes your mark to the risk of a competitor registering it first.
Types of Trademarks Recognised by IP Saudi
Three main types can be registered — each requires different documents and requirements
Word Mark
Words, letters, numbers, phrases, or a combination thereof. Requires translation of the meaning + phonetic transcription.
SAMSUNG, ARAMCO, STC
Figurative Mark
Drawings, images, shapes, or colours without words. Requires a detailed Arabic description of all visual elements.
Apple logo (the apple), Nike (the swoosh)
Combined (Word + Logo) Mark
Combines words and a logo simultaneously. Requires name translation + phonetic transcription + description of the visual logo.
Adidas logo (name + three stripes)
Nice International Classification — All 45 Classes
When registering your trademark with IP Saudi, you must select the correct class for your business activity. Classes 1–34 cover goods; Classes 35–45 cover services.
| Class No. | Class Description |
|---|---|
| 01 | Chemicals for industrial, scientific, photographic, agricultural, horticultural, and forestry use |
| 02 | Paints, varnishes, lacquers, rust-protecting preparations, colorants, printing inks |
| 03 | Bleaching, cleaning and polishing preparations, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes |
| 04 | Industrial oils and greases, lubricants, fuels and illuminants, candles |
| 05 | Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations, bandaging materials, insecticides, fungicides |
| 06 | Common metals and alloys, metal building materials, structures, rails, wires |
| 07 | Machines and machine tools (other than vehicles), agricultural implements, pumps and compressors |
| 08 | Hand tools, surgical and medical instruments, edged weapons, razors |
| 09 | Scientific and research apparatus, audio and visual devices, software and applications |
| 10 | Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth |
| 11 | Lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, ventilating and water purification apparatus, lamps and refrigerators |
| 12 | Vehicles; land, air and sea transport vehicles, bicycles, aircraft, ships |
| 13 | Firearms, ammunition and projectiles, explosives, fireworks |
| 14 | Precious metals and alloys, jewellery, precious stones, watches and clocks |
| 15 | Musical instruments, recording and playing equipment |
| 16 | Paper and cardboard and their products, printed matter, bookbinding materials, drawing and office supplies |
| 17 | Rubber, gutta-percha, insulating and sealing materials, non-metallic flexible pipes |
| 18 | Leather and imitation leather, travelling bags, handbags and belts, umbrellas |
| 19 | Non-metallic building materials, concrete, cement and asphalt, wall and floor coverings |
| 20 | Furniture, mirrors and frames, products of wood, cork, straw or plastic |
| 21 | Household utensils and kitchen equipment, cleaning tools, glassware, porcelain and earthenware |
| 22 | Ropes, string, nets, tents, sails, sacks, padding and stuffing materials, non-metallic |
| 23 | Yarns and threads for textile use |
| 24 | Textiles and their substitutes, bed linen, table linen |
| 25 | Clothing, footwear, headgear, underwear and sportswear |
| 26 | Lace and embroidery, ribbons, buttons, hooks and eyes, zips, embroidery thread |
| 27 | Carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum, plastic floor coverings, non-textile wall coverings |
| 28 | Children's toys, electronic and sports games, amusement articles |
| 29 | Meat, fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, edible oils and fats |
| 30 | Coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, sugar, rice, flour, bread, biscuits, confectionery |
| 31 | Grains, fresh and dried fruits and vegetables, plants, flowers, animal fodder |
| 32 | Carbonated drinks, fruit juices, mineral water, beer |
| 33 | Alcoholic beverages (except beer), wines, spirits |
| 34 | Tobacco and tobacco products, cigarettes, cigars, smokers' articles, matches |
| 35 | Advertising, marketing and public relations, business management, retail and wholesale sales |
| 36 | Insurance, financial, banking and real estate services, financing, investment and currency exchange |
| 37 | Building, construction and demolition services, maintenance, repair and installation of equipment |
| 38 | Telecommunications, television and radio broadcasting, email and internet services |
| 39 | Transport, freight, storage and distribution of goods and persons, tourism and travel booking |
| 40 | Treatment of materials, manufacturing, printing, colouring, shaping and tailoring to order |
| 41 | Education, training, entertainment, sports and cultural activities, publishing of books and magazines |
| 42 | Scientific and technological services, research and development, software design and IT consulting |
| 43 | Food and beverage supply services, hotels, temporary accommodation, restaurants and cafes |
| 44 | Medical, health, veterinary and human beauty services, agriculture and horticulture |
| 45 | Legal, security and personal protection services, religious and social services |
Free service: We guide you to select the correct classes for your business and draft the list of goods and services using officially accepted terminology — to ensure the broadest possible legal protection for your mark.
Common Reasons for Trademark Application Rejection at IP Saudi
Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your application is accepted first time
Misleading Literal Translation
Translating the mark's name by its literal meaning only without considering its commercial connotation. Example: 'Amazon' → 'the Amazon River' instead of showing its pronunciation 'أمازون'.
Missing Phonetic Transcription
Submitting only the semantic translation without writing the sound of the name in Arabic letters. IP Saudi requires both elements for any foreign mark.
Wrong Nice Class Selected
Specifying the goods/services class inaccurately or contrary to the Nice Classification. This causes a formal rejection or narrows the scope of protection.
Incomplete Description of the Visual Logo
For figurative marks, every visual element (shape, colour, symbol) must be described. An incomplete description results in a substantive rejection.
Translation from a Non-Certified Office
IP Saudi does not accept machine translations or unofficial translations. The translation must be issued by a licensed translation office bearing an accreditation stamp.
Similarity to Registered Marks
A mark phonetically or visually similar to a registered mark in the same class. Solution: conduct a prior search on the IP Saudi portal before submitting the application.
Descriptive or Generic Mark
A mark that directly describes the product (e.g., 'Sweet' for confectionery) or a commonly used word that does not exclusively identify a specific business.
Applicant Data Mismatch
A discrepancy between the applicant's name in the form and the commercial registration or national ID. Ensure all data matches exactly.
Our accredited office guarantees avoidance of all rejection causes — or we redo the translation free of charge
Start Your Application NowTrademark Renewal in Saudi Arabia
The trademark registration certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of filing (not the date of issuance). It can be renewed indefinitely to maintain the exclusive right, provided the mark is actually in use.
Renewal Deadline
Renewal can be done during the final year before expiry. There is an additional 6-month grace period after expiry, subject to a late fee.
How to Renew
Renewal is done electronically through the IP Saudi portal. Renewal fee: SAR 2,000 per class. No need to resubmit documents if the data has not changed.
Risk of Non-Renewal
If the mark expires without renewal it becomes available for registration by any other party — including your competitors.
Restoration After Expiry
If the grace period has also lapsed, restoration may be requested within one year subject to the Authority's conditions and at higher additional fees.
Trademark Opposition — How to Protect Your Mark from Competitors
During the publication period (fixed 60 days), any registered trademark owner may file a formal opposition if they believe the new mark resembles theirs. Conversely, if your application is rejected on substantive grounds you have the right to appeal before the Authority.
Opposition Against a Competitor's Mark
- Deadline: 60 days from the date of the Authority's announcement (fixed)
- Fee: SAR 2,000
- Documents: proof of your mark's seniority + statement of similarities
- Outcome: similar registration halted if opposition is upheld
Appeal Against a Substantive Rejection
- Deadline: 60 days from the date of the rejection notice
- Submitted to the IP Saudi Appeals Committee
- If the appeal is rejected, you may resort to the administrative judiciary
- Consulting a specialist intellectual property lawyer is recommended
International Trademark Registration — Madrid System (WIPO)
If your business extends beyond Saudi Arabia, you can protect your mark internationally through the Madrid System administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It allows you to register your mark in more than 130 countries with a single application.
Local Registration Required First
Your mark must be registered or pending at IP Saudi before you can file a Madrid international application.
Accepted Application Languages
The application is filed in English, French, or Spanish. Arabic documents require a certified translation into the application language.
Selecting Target Countries
You choose the countries where you want protection. Each country evaluates the application under its local law within 12–18 months.
Expanding Protection Later
You can add new countries to the scope of international protection at any time after the original registration via a subsequent designation request.
Certified Translation — The Step 7 in 10 Applicants Get Wrong
For any trademark containing non-Arabic words, the Saudi Trademark Law requires a certified Arabic translation covering four elements — none of which can be omitted:
Meaning Translation
Conveying the literal and commercial meaning of the mark name or phrases into Arabic with legal precision. Apple → تفاحة | HungerStation 🇸🇦 → محطة الجوع | Noon 🇸🇦 → منتصف النهار.
Phonetic Transcription
Writing the sound of the mark name in Arabic letters. Nike → نايكي | HungerStation 🇸🇦 → هنقرستيشن | STC 🇸🇦 → إس تي سي (abbreviation — no literal meaning, phonetic only). A mandatory requirement separate from the meaning translation.
Visual Logo Description
A detailed Arabic description of every element in the logo: shape, colours, symbols, and visual connotations.
Nice Classification Class
Identifying the correct class for the goods or services from the 45 available — the wrong choice narrows the scope of protection.
Our Office Prepares the Complete Document Within 10 Minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia
20 of the most searched questions with detailed answers
Register Your Trademark Today — Start Protecting Your Business Forever
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