What Can Be Registered as a Trademark in Saudi Arabia?

Trademark Registration Process in Saudi Arabia: Overview

Budget: What Trademark Registration Costs in Saudi Arabia

Timelines: How Long Registration Takes

Conclusion & Next Steps

Registering a trademark in Saudi Arabia may feel overwhelming for businesses entering the Saudi market for the first time. Unfamiliar local rules, Arabic-language requirements, strict timelines, and the fear of missing a crucial detail often create uncertainty: What documents do I need? What if I choose the wrong class? How do I avoid a refusal? How much will the whole process cost?

This guide gives you a clear, structured, step-by-step roadmap — from the initial search to receiving your registration certificate — and shows how the entire process becomes fast, streamlined, and predictable when handled through a unified platform like iPNOTE with verified Saudi-based experts.

Whether you’re launching a brand in the Kingdom or expanding your global portfolio, understanding how trademark registration works in Saudi Arabia helps avoid delays, refusals, and unnecessary expenses.

What Can Be Registered as a Trademark in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia follows the GCC Trademark Law, which allows protection for a wide range of brand identifiers. You can register:

• Word marks (English, Arabic, or any other language)
• Logos and graphic elements
• Combination marks
• Slogans
• 3D marks / shapes
• Colours or colour combinations
• Sound marks
• Any combination of the above

The primary requirement is distinctiveness — the trademark must clearly identify your goods/services and should not be generic, descriptive, or misleading.

Grounds for Refusal in Saudi Arabia

SAIP (Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property) may refuse a trademark if it:

Absolute Grounds

• Is generic, descriptive, or lacks distinctiveness
• Contains prohibited elements (flags, emblems, religious symbols)
• Contradicts public morals or public order
• Misleads consumers regarding nature/origin
• Copies or resembles well-known international or local marks

Relative Grounds

• Is identical or confusingly similar to existing registrations
• Conflicts with earlier marks within related classes
• Creates likelihood of confusion for consumers

A proper clearance search before filing significantly reduces the risk of objections.

Language, Transliteration & Local Requirements

Saudi Arabia accepts trademarks in any language, but:

Arabic transliteration may be required or recommended if:

• The brand name has a strong Arabic equivalent
• Phonetic similarity could create conflict
• The English form may be easily imitated in Arabic script

Goods/services requirements

• Must follow Nice Classification
• Wording must be clear, specific, and acceptable to SAIP
• Overly broad descriptions often trigger Office Actions

Arabic versions of logos

If your logo contains Arabic text, the spelling must be exactly as intended for legal protection.

Territoriality & First-to-File Principle

Saudi Arabia strictly applies the first-to-file system:

• Rights belong to whoever files the application first
• Prior use without registration offers minimal protection
• Foreign companies should file early — before launching marketing or sales

Trademark rights are territorial, meaning you need a separate Saudi application even if your trademark is registered elsewhere.

Trademark Registration Process in Saudi Arabia: Overview

Step 1 — Preparation: What to Decide Before Filing

Before filing a trademark in Saudi Arabia, you need to clearly define your goods/services, ensure correct localization, and gather all required documents. 

On iPNOTE, this stage becomes faster through AI assistance and structured guidance.

Define Goods and Services 

Choosing the right classes is critical. SAIP follows Nice Classification, and misclassification is one of the most common reasons for refusals.

You can use the iPNOTE AI assistant:

Option 1: You already have a website

Just share the link and our iPNOTE AI assistant will automatically:

• analyze the products and services presented on your website,
• identify the correct Nice classes and subclasses,
• suggest accepted wording aligned with SAIP practice,
• flag any items that may require clarification.

This significantly minimizes the risk of misclassification.

Option 2: You do not have a website yet

Simply describe your business in a few sentences.
For example: “We sell skincare products” or “We develop SaaS tools and provide consulting.”
The AI will review your description and propose the appropriate Nice classes based on your offering and the specific requirements of Saudi Arabia.

Check Whether an Arabic Version Is Needed

Saudi Arabia accepts English marks, but an Arabic transliteration may be helpful when:

• Local consumers are expected to use an Arabic version
• The English pronunciation has an obvious Arabic equivalent
• You want stronger enforcement

For logos containing Arabic script, ensure correct spelling — changes require amendments later.

Prepare the Required Documents

To avoid delays, prepare the following in advance:

• The trademark file (word or high-resolution logo)
• Owner information (legal name, address, entity type)
• Priority documents (if claiming Paris Convention priority — within 6 months)
• Power of Attorney if required by your chosen local representative

Plan Your Budget

Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia includes:

• SAIP official fees
• Local representative fees (mandatory for non-residents)
• Translation costs (if necessary)

iPNOTE shows the full, final cost upfront with no hidden charges.

Step 2 — Clearance Search (Trademark Availability Check)

Before filing a trademark in Saudi Arabia, it’s essential to check whether the mark is available and distinctive enough to pass SAIP examination. 

Option 1 — Instant AI Search on iPNOTE 

Using the AI assistant, you can get an immediate preliminary analysis of your trademark.
The AI evaluates obvious risks: identical matches, clear conflicts, basic phonetic issues, and overall distinctiveness.
This helps you quickly understand:

• how high the initial risk level is,
• whether it makes sense to file “as is” or adjust the spelling/classes before paying any fees.

Key benefit: You get a fast, objective, automated assessment without spending money on a lawyer at the early stage.

Start your free check with iPNOTE.

Option 2 — Manual Search by a Saudi Trademark Attorney 

Saudi Arabia is a complex jurisdiction because of:

• multiple possible arabic transliterations for the same English word,
• strict focus on pronunciation similarity,
• SAIP’s conservative interpretation of distinctiveness,

A professional search by a Saudi attorney identifies deeper risks such as:

• phonetic equivalents,
• Saudi transliteration conflicts,
• conceptual similarity,
• conflicts across related classes,
• SAIP-specific terminology issues.

Main benefit: a comprehensive risk evaluation tailored to Saudi examination practice.

You can request this manual attorney-led search directly through iPNOTE, choosing from verified Saudi trademark attorneys. 

How They Differ and Why Both Matter

Best Practice

Most applicants combine both steps:
AI analysis for a quick first impression, followed by a professional Saudi attorney review for a complete, risk-free picture.

Together, these two layers significantly reduce the chance of Office Actions, added expenses, and delays during SAIP examination.

Step 3 — Filing the Trademark Application

Residents & Holders of Saudi Residence Permit (Iqama)

They can file directly through the official government portal:
🔗 SAIP Online Portal https://eservices.saip.gov.sa/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Non-Residents

Must file through a licensed Saudi representative — required by law.

You can find verified Saudi trademark attorneys on iPNOTE, compare prices, and choose the best offer.

Filing Through iPNOTE: Easy Way to Register in Saudi Arabia

For many applicants, especially those unfamiliar with local requirements, the Arabic language, or SAIP procedures, filing through a platform like iPNOTE removes uncertainty and ensures that every step is completed correctly. The process is transparent, structured, and supported by verified Saudi trademark attorneys.

Create a Task for Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia

You begin by creating a task inside the iPNOTE platform.
The integrated AI assistant helps you structure the request correctly:

• estimates the approximate registration cost, taking into account official fees and service charges,
• suggests appropriate Nice classes,

This eliminates confusion and prevents mistakes at the earliest stage.

Receive a List of Suitable Providers

Once the task is created, the platform automatically shows a list of verified Saudi-based trademark attorneys who can handle your filing.

You can:

• select providers manually, based on their profiles,
  ask the AI assistant to choose the most suitable ones,
• or send a request to all providers at once to compare offers.

Every provider has a complete profile with experience, ratings, response times, and pricing transparency.

Compare Fixed Offers and Choose the Best Option

Soon after your request, providers will send their offers.
Each offer contains:

• total cost (including official fees, attorney fees, and the platform commission),
• estimated timelines,
• scope of work covered.

You can also open a chat with any provider in the Messages section to clarify details or ask additional questions. This helps you make an informed decision based on clear, measurable factors.

Pay for the Service — All Filing Fees Included

When you choose the best offer, you proceed to payment.
The price displayed includes:

• SAIP official fees for filing,
• local representative fees for filing,
• iPNOTE commission.

The Provider Starts Working Within 24 Hours

After payment, the provider will begin working on your case within one business day if you purchase the Fast-Track option.

iPNOTE uses escrow payments, meaning:

• the provider only receives the funds after you approve the final result,
• the platform acts as a neutral guarantor,
• your investment is protected throughout the process.

Final Review Before Filing

Before submitting the trademark to SAIP, your provider sends you the complete filing package for final confirmation:

• the trademark representation,
• transliteration (if applicable),
• selected classes,
• goods/services description,
• owner information,
• priority claim (if any).

You can review everything in one place and request corrections if needed.

Filing and Tracking Your Application Online

Once approved, the provider files the application through SAIP.
After submission, on the platform, in your personal account under the IP Rights section appears:

• application stage,
• filing date,
• application number,
• jurisdiction,
• all uploaded documents,
• communication history.

Statuses update automatically, so you always know exactly where your application stands without waiting for emails or manual updates.

Step 4 — Formal & Substantive Examination

After your application is submitted to the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), it goes through two examination stages: formal review and substantive review. Both steps may result in an Office Action, which is a standard request for clarification rather than a rejection.

Formal Examination

During the formal check, SAIP verifies that your application meets all procedural requirements. Examiners review:

• correctness of applicant details
• accurate class selection and acceptable descriptions of goods/services
• proper formatting of the trademark file (word/logo)
• priority documents, if provided
• presence of all mandatory information

Substantive Examination

If the application passes the formal stage, SAIP evaluates whether the trademark meets legal requirements. Examiners assess:

• distinctiveness of the mark
• similarity to earlier registered or pending marks
• risk of consumer confusion
• compliance with the Trademark Law
• whether the mark includes restricted elements

If concerns arise, SAIP issues a substantive Office Action.

Responding to Office Actions

In Saudi Arabia, the deadline is strict:
You must respond within 10 days.

If no response is submitted, the application is automatically refused.

This is a routine part of the process, and there is no reason to be concerned. When filing through iPNOTE:

If SAIP accepts the response → the application proceeds to publication in the SAIP Official Gazette.

Step 5 — Publication and Opposition Period

If SAIP approves your trademark during formal and substantive examination, it is published in the Official Gazette. This is a mandatory public stage where your mark becomes visible online, allowing anyone to review the details of your application — the mark itself, the owner’s name, goods and services, and filing information. This step ensures transparency and gives third parties the opportunity to protect their trademark rights before your mark proceeds to registration.

Publication lasts 60 days, during which other trademark owners can check whether your mark conflicts with theirs. If they believe your application is too similar to an existing or pending mark, they may file an opposition.

• If no opposition is filed, the application moves forward to the final registration stage.

• If an opposition is submitted, the process pauses while the dispute is reviewed and resolved.

Step 6 — Payment of the Registration Fee and Issuance of the Certificate

If no opposition is filed during the 60-day publication period, your application automatically moves into the Registration Pending stage. At this point, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) performs a final internal check, typically within 1–5 business days, to confirm that no objections were submitted and the mark is ready for registration.

Once SAIP issues the payment request, you must pay the final registration fee for the issuance of the certificate. After the payment is completed, SAIP generates the official trademark registration certificate.

After the certificate is issued, your IP Rights card inside iPNOTE is updated to include:

• Registration Number
• Certificate issued by SAIP (downloadable)
• Issue Date
• Renewal Date

In Saudi Arabia, a trademark is valid for 10 years from the registration date, and it must be renewed every 10 years to maintain continuous protection.

Budget: What Trademark Registration Costs in Saudi Arabia

Government’s Fees Summary (Per Class Submission)

Additional costs:

• Local representative fee (mandatory for non-residents)
• Translations/legalization (if needed)

Since non-residents cannot file directly with SAIP, they must use a licensed local representative.

Local Representative Fees

These typically include:

• preparing and submitting the filing,
• handling SAIP correspondence,
• responding to Office Actions,
• monitoring deadlines and publication,
• managing translations if needed.

When Translations and Legalizations Are Required?

Most trademark applications do not require translations unless:

• the Power of Attorney must be issued in Arabic,
  the goods/services description needs correction or localization,
• the owner’s corporate documents must be translated for verification,
• the trademark includes Arabic words requiring accurate rendering.

Legalization or notarization is always required:

• for non-residents — legalization is mandatory,
• for residents working through an attorney — notarization is required.

How to reduce costs:

There are several effective ways to control your budget:

1. 1. Use precise and SAIP-friendly class descriptions. Avoid unnecessarily wide wording that increases risk and cost.
   2. Perform a clearance search beforehand. This reduces the chances of refusals, oppositions, or re-filings.
   3. Avoid adding unnecessary classes. Each class triggers additional fees and more legal work. 
   4. Upload accurate documents from the start. This minimizes translation costs and prevents additional corrections.
   5. Work with local representatives through iPNOTE. The marketplace gives you access to verified Saudi trademark attorneys at transparent fixed prices, so no international-channel markups and no hidden intermediary fees.

Timelines: How Long Registration Takes

Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia follows a sequence of predictable stages. While exact timelines may vary slightly depending on the queue and complexity of the mark, the overall process is transparent and structured. Below is a clear breakdown of each stage — from preparation to receiving the final certificate.

1. Document Preparation

Time: 1–7 business days
The preparation stage depends on how quickly you collect the required documents, confirm classes, and finalize the trademark file.
On the platform, the expected timeline is shown directly in each provider’s offer, so you always know how long preparation will take.

2. Filing and Formal Examination by SAIP

Time: 1–3 business days

After submission, SAIP checks:

• correctness of all documents,
• payment of the filing fee,
• accuracy of classes and descriptions,
  completeness of applicant information.

3. Substantive Examination

Time: 30–60 days

During this stage, the examiner reviews:

• the distinctiveness of the mark,
• similarity with existing trademarks,
• compliance with the Trademark Law,
• accuracy of goods and services.

4. Publication in the Official Gazette

Time: 60 days (mandatory)

Your mark is published in the SAIP Official Gazette for a strict 60-day opposition period, during which any third party may file an objection.

5. Post-Publication Review and Invoice Preparation

Time: 1–10 business days after the publication period

SAIP checks the absence of oppositions. Once confirmed, the authority issues the registration fee invoice.
The final fee must be paid before SAIP can issue the certificate.

6. Payment of the Final Registration Fee

Time: depends on you

SAIP will not generate the certificate until this fee is paid.
Once the payment is completed, the registration moves to the final stage.

7. Issuance of the Registration Certificate

Time: 1–3 business days after payment

SAIP generates the official registration certificate and updates your trademark status.
On the platform, your IP rights card will display:

• Registration number
• Certificate (downloadable)
• Issue date
  Renewal date (10 years from registration)

Total Timeframe: 3–7 Months

For most applicants, the entire registration process in Saudi Arabia takes:
approximately 3 to 6–7 months,
not including Office Actions or oppositions.

This timeline is fully visible inside the platform, and you can track each stage online without chasing updates manually.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Trademark registration in Saudi Arabia becomes simple when you follow a structured process: prepare your materials, run a proper clearance search, file correctly, track examination stages, and respond to SAIP requests on time. With verified local experts and automated tools, the entire journey becomes predictable, transparent, and manageable even for first-time applicants.

To save time and money, it’s essential to rely on a trusted partner who understands the Saudi system and manages every step professionally.

On iPNOTE, you can compare offers from licensed Saudi attorneys, track every stage online, and get full transparency with no hidden costs.

Protect your brand in Saudi Arabia — start your trademark registration with iPNOTE today.