Saudi Arabia Joins the Madrid System: A New Route for Trademark Protection

On 8 October 2026, the Madrid Protocol will enter into force in Saudi Arabia, introducing a new international filing route for businesses seeking trademark protection in the Kingdom and Saudi businesses expanding overseas.

Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession with the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) on 8 July 2026. This development provides brand owners with an additional option when planning their Saudi and international trademark portfolios.

What Changes for Brand Owners?

From 8 October 2026:

• International applicants will be able to designate Saudi Arabia in new international trademark applications under the Madrid System.
• Holders of existing international registrations will be able to seek protection in Saudi Arabia through a subsequent designation.
• Eligible Saudi applicants will be able to use the Madrid System to seek protection in other member jurisdictions through a single international application.

Eligibility requires a qualifying connection with a Madrid System member and a trademark application or registration with the relevant Office of origin. The international route operates alongside national filing and does not guarantee protection in every designated jurisdiction.

Key Considerations for Saudi Designations

Saudi examination requirements continue to apply. The scope of protection remains subject to Saudi law. Brand owners should therefore continue to assess local registrability, potential conflicts and the suitability of their goods and services specifications.

An 18-month refusal-notification period applies. Saudi Arabia has elected an 18-month period for notifying provisional refusals, with opposition-based refusals potentially notified after that period in accordance with the Protocol. This is distinct from the deadline for responding to a particular refusal. Saudi Arabia has also notified WIPO that its Office will not transmit requests for division of international registrations or merger of registrations resulting from division.

Individual fees apply per class. From 8 October 2026, the Saudi individual fee for an international application or subsequent designation will be CHF 1,397 per class, or CHF 1,719 per class for collective or certification marks. These amounts represent the Saudi designation component; other applicable WIPO fees and professional costs must also be considered.

Why This Matters

The new route gives businesses greater flexibility when structuring cross-border trademark protection. For owners of existing international registrations, subsequent designation may offer a convenient way to add Saudi Arabia as their commercial footprint expands.

However, the most suitable approach will depend on the portfolio, target markets, filing urgency, expected costs and potential objections. Brand owners should assess the available routes against their commercial objectives.

Practical Steps to Consider

Businesses with existing or planned interests in Saudi Arabia should consider:

• Reviewing international registrations to identify marks suitable for Saudi designation.
• Comparing national and Madrid filing routes for upcoming applications.
• Checking that proposed protection covers the relevant goods, services and brand versions, including Arabic branding where appropriate.
• Maintaining appropriate monitoring arrangements for examination notices, oppositions and response deadlines.

How Can We Help?

Our Intellectual Property team can assist with reviewing your portfolio, selecting an appropriate filing strategy, assessing Saudi registrability and managing objections, oppositions and enforcement.

For further information, please contact the key contacts.