Like other jurisdictions, there is an increased focus on the protection of intellectual property in Saudi Arabia and encompasses all types of IP rights.

Trademark and patent infringement of successful brands has been an intractable issue in Saudi Arabia and the region. Protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights has become of strategic importance in fulfilling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” ambitions. The government recognizes that IP rights play a central role in fueling creativity, innovation, and business investment – leading to a more diversified competitive domestic economy as well as making the business environment for foreign entrants more inviting and secure. As a result, Saudi Arabia’s IP regulatory landscape is rapidly changing, and new ways and means are being adopted to ensure the protection of IP rights in line with international treaties, protocols, and conventions to which Saudi Arabia is a party.

Our IP Practice Team has gained wide recognition in contesting the use of internationally established trademarks, trade names, copyrights, inventions, and proprietary know-how under various international treaties. We have also successfully prevented patent infringement and the sale of counterfeit goods in the Kingdom.

A Growing Commitment to Protect IP Rights

In 2018, the Government of Saudi Arabia established the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) as the sole IP authority in the Kingdom and brought it under the folds of a unified authority. SAIP has also strengthened cooperation for IP rights with several key international trading partners including the United States, China, the European Union, Japan, and Korea.

SAIP is also responsible for proposing new rules and regulations relating to IP rights to ensure national legislation keeps pace with the rapidly evolving international technology landscape. These developments will further strengthen the Kingdom’s domestic intellectual property protection framework so that it may be at par with international IP best practices.

As leading practitioners, our legal team works closely with SAIP and remains at the forefront of developments in intellectual property laws and regulations in the Kingdom. We regularly advise clients on:

• Domain name disputes.
• Ecommerce infringements.
• Unlawful and restrictive trade practices.
• Trademark licensing and infringements.
• Copyright infringements.
• Industrial design.
• IP due diligence for M&A transactions.

We also undertake registration of trademarks and patents covering the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through our correspondent firms.

Furthermore, to protect and enforce your rights, we are widely considered to be leaders in dispute resolution services in the Kingdom, applying proven Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms and initiating litigation where required to defend Intellectual Property rights.

About Our Intellectual Property Practice Group

Our IP Legal Team draws on over 50 years of experience representing domestic and international business clients in the Kingdom.

Notable Intellectual Property Matters Include:

• Representing an Italian automotive multinational in successfully preventing import and sale of counterfeit motor spare parts in the Kingdom and taking action against the entities involved in such trade.
• Advising a Kenyan tea company in contesting a similar trademark issued to a local establishment.
• Representing A Saudi Industrial conglomerate in a claim raised by a group of minority shareholders in the company over its worldwide popular trademark.
• Representing a French Restaurant in contesting a similar trademark issued to a local entity.
• Representing a Mobile Telephone Operator over a claim filed by an individual disputing patent right on some of the technologies being used by our client.

Contact Our Intellectual Property Team

If you seek IP protection or your IP rights have been infringed upon, please contact us for support. No matter the complexity of your matter, our legal team has the capabilities and depth to defend your interests and produce sound resolutions. With offices located in Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh, we support domestic and international clients across the Kingdom. Contact us to book a consultation.