Saudi Arabia Joins the Madrid Protocol: What Changes for Trademark Owners?

Saudi Arabia became part of WIPO's Madrid System on 8 October 2026. Trademark protection in the Kingdom can now be requested through a single international application.

Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on 8 July 2026. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for the country on 8 October 2026. The Madrid Union now has 117 members, and the system covers 133 countries.

Five of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states are now inside the system: Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Kuwait is the only member still outside.

What it means for Saudi rights holders

Saudi companies and brand owners established in the Kingdom can now seek protection abroad through one international application. The application is based on a national application or registration at the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP).

One language, one currency and one set of fees cover the Madrid members they choose, including Türkiye, the EU, the US and China. Renewals, assignments and changes of name or address are recorded centrally through WIPO.

One point needs attention. For the first five years the international registration depends on the basic Saudi mark. If the basic mark is refused, cancelled or limited, the international registration is affected as well.

What it means for foreign rights holders

Until now, the only route to protection in Saudi Arabia was a direct national filing with SAIP.

Applicants in other Madrid member countries, Turkish brand owners included, can now designate Saudi Arabia in a new international application.

Holders of existing international registrations benefit too. A subsequent designation extends protection to Saudi Arabia without a new application.

What changes in practice

•       Formalities: Appointing a local agent, legalising a power of attorney and filing translations are reduced at the filing stage. They do not disappear entirely.

•       Fees: Saudi Arabia charges an individual fee. A new designation or a subsequent designation costs 1,397 Swiss francs per class. For collective and certification marks the amount is 1,719 francs. Renewal is also 1,397 francs per class.

•       Examination period: SAIP has 18 months to notify a provisional refusal. Refusals based on an opposition may be notified after that period.

•       Division and merger: Saudi law does not provide for them, so an international registration cannot be divided or merged in respect of Saudi Arabia.

Advantages

•       One application, one language, one currency, and a portfolio managed from a single place.

•       Saudi Arabia can be added to an existing international registration.

•       Five Gulf countries can be covered in the same application.

•       Less paperwork and fewer formalities at the filing stage.

Points to watch

•       The fees. At 1,397 francs per class, compare the cost with a national filing, especially for a file with few classes that targets Saudi Arabia alone.

•       Designation is not protection. SAIP examines every file under Saudi law. A provisional refusal or an opposition still requires a local agent.

•       Goods and services. Check the list against Saudi practice before filing.

Key Takeaways

Companies active in Saudi Arabia, or planning to enter the market, should review their trademark portfolios now. The Madrid route and a national filing should be compared file by file on cost, number of classes and refusal risk.

At Juniper IP we assess both routes for brand owners filing in the Gulf and define the right strategy together.

www.juniper-ip.com | 9 October 2026

Source: WIPO Information Notices No. 35/2026 and 37/2026.