Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is not a member of the Madrid Protocol. Applications can be filed through a local attorney in the country. If there is no opposition or refusal, registration is completed in about 12 months. A power of attorney legalized by the consulate and notarized must be submitted. A list of the selected classes, based on the class list published by the Saudi patent office, must be submitted. A single-class system is used, so a separate application must be filed for each class. The international Nice Classification applies, subject to conditions. Applications cannot be filed for the whole of Class 33, for alcoholic beverages in Class 32, for pork in Class 29 or for Christmas trees in Class 28. The term of protection for a trademark is 10 Hijri years. The trademark can be maintained indefinitely by renewal every 10 years. (10 Hijri years = 9 years and 8 months) An opposition may be filed within 90 days after the trademark is published in the Official Gazette. There is a 5-year use requirement. If the trademark is not used for 5 years, third parties may file a cancellation action against it. Renewal is required every 10 years.