Intellectual Property Laws at Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has developed a robust intellectual property (IP) framework to support innovation and economic growth, aligning with international standards and Vision 2030 objectives.
Key IP Laws and Regulations in Saudi Arabia
1. Patents
Governing Laws Patents are regulated under Royal Decree No. M/27 of 17 July 2005 and the *GCC Patents of Inventions Regulation of 2001.
Protection Inventions are protected for 20 years, with annual maintenance fee.
International Filing Saudi Arabia is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), allowing for international patent application.
Recent Development In December 2024, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) began operating as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the PCT, offering services in Arabic
2. Trademarks
Governing Law Royal Decree No. M/21 of 8 August 2002 and its Implementing Rule.
Protection Trademarks are protected for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Registration Managed by SAIP, following the *Nice Classification.
Infringement Penalties Violations can result in fines ranging from SAR 50,000 to SAR 1 million and imprisonment for up to one year
3. Copyright
Governing Law **Royal Decree No. M/41 of 30 August 2003*.
Protection Duration Varies by work type:
Literary, artistic, and musical works: Life of the author plus 50 years.
Films, collective works, computer programs: 50 years from first publication.
Applied art and photographs: 25 years from publication.
Broadcasting organizations: 20 years from first transmission citeturn0search7.
Enforcement The Copyright Committee under the Ministry of Culture and Information handles violations, with fines up to SAR 500,000 for repeat offenders
4. Industrial Designs
Protection For 10 years, renewable.
Registration Managed by SAI.
Infringement Legal actions can be pursued through the Commercial Court.
5. Plant Varieties
Protection For 20 to 25 years, depending on the specie.
Registration Administered by SAI.
🏛️ Enforcement and Support
*SAIP: The central authority for IP rights administration and enforcement.
*Commercial Courts: Handle IP infringement cases.
*IP Support Centres: SAIP has established a national network of centres to assist innovators with IP-related services
🌐 *International Treaties and Memberships
Saudi Arabia is a member of several key international IP treaties, including:
Paris Convention
Berne Convention
PT
Madrid Protocol
Design Law Treaty (DLT), adopted in Riyadh in November 2024
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