Trademark protection in Saudi Arabia falls under the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) and operates on a clear rule: first to file, not first to use. Whoever deposits the application first secures the stronger position — even against a business that has used the name in the market for years. This page maps the full registration path — documents, steps, fees, and timelines — as documented up to June 2026, within the business guides on Hala Law.

The first-to-file rule: why timing matters

Because the system protects whoever files first, postponing registration until after launch opens a practical gap: any other party that files for a similar name before the business owner gains the stronger position. This is why trademark filing appears early in the business setup sequence — and it matters even more for anyone planning to franchise, since a registered trademark certificate is a strict prerequisite before registering any franchise agreement with the Ministry of Commerce.

Single-class filing and the Nice Classification

As of 2026, the Kingdom applies the Nice Classification, 12th Edition, with a rigid single-class filing system: one application covers only one class of goods or services. The documented example: a technology company seeking to protect its brand for downloadable software (Class 9) and educational training services (Class 41) must submit two entirely separate applications and pay duplicate official fees. Choosing the right classes from the start is a substantive decision, because the description of goods and services must conform exactly to SAIP standards.

Required documents

  • A high-resolution graphic representation of the mark.
  • Applicant identification data: the entity's Commercial Registration, or a National ID for individuals.
  • A comprehensive description of the goods or services conforming exactly to SAIP standards.

Registration steps on the SAIP portal

  1. Access the SAIP portal and run the similarity search before filing.
  2. Submit the initial application with the mark, the chosen class, and pay the filing and examination fee.
  3. The application passes through SAIP's internal examination (30 to 60 days).
  4. On preliminary acceptance, the mark is published in the official IP Gazette for a 60-day public opposition window.
  5. If the opposition window closes without a successful challenge, the final certificate fee is paid and the registration certificate is issued.

The steps above reflect the last verification in June 2026; labels and screens may change as the platforms are updated.

Official fees

Per the June 2026 baseline — fees change by subsequent decisions:

| Item | Fee (SAR) | | --- | --- | | Filing and examination | 1,000 | | Publication | 1,575 | | Final certificate | 5,000 | | Total per class | 7,575 |

One documented point worth underlining: applications rejected for descriptiveness or pre-existing similarity result in forfeiture of the initial filing fees — which gives the preliminary search and precise classification a direct financial impact.

Expected timeline

The full path typically runs four to six months: a 30 to 60-day internal examination, then the mandatory 60-day publication period open to third-party oppositions, then final issuance.

What the certificate gives you

A registered mark grants exclusive commercial rights within the Kingdom for 10 Hijri years and works as a core asset in three directions: franchising, licensing to third parties, and activating anti-counterfeiting measures through Saudi Customs. It is distinct from reserving a trade name in the Commercial Registration — each provides a separate scope of protection.

When do you need a licensed lawyer or advisor?

The information above is a general framework, not an assessment of any specific mark. Engaging an IP attorney or licensed advisor carries direct practical weight when:

  • You need a comprehensive availability search before filing, since rejection forfeits the filing fees.
  • Your activity requires precise alignment with Nice Classification classes or coverage across several classes in parallel applications.
  • Your application faces a third-party opposition during the publication window, or you intend to oppose a published mark.
  • You plan to use the mark in franchise or licensing agreements that need drafting to preserve your rights.

In those situations your position turns on facts and technical judgments that differ from one mark to another — not on a single general rule.