In brief
Defines what may and may not be registered as a trademark, and governs registration, publication, renewal, cancellation, transfer, pledge and licensing of marks, with offences and penalties.
Summary of the law
Key points
- A mark is any visually perceptible sign that distinguishes goods or services, such as names, words, letters, numbers, drawings and symbols (Article 1).
- A refused applicant may appeal to the Minister of Commerce within 60 days of notice, then to the Board of Grievances within 30 days of the appeal's rejection (Article 13).
Penalties
- Forging or imitating a mark and using it: up to one year's imprisonment and SAR 50,000–1,000,000, or either (Article 43).
- Other, lesser acts listed in the law: up to three months and SAR 20,000–250,000, or either (Article 44).
- Repeat offenders: up to double the maximum, closure for 15 days to six months and publication of the judgment (Article 45).
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- What is and is not a registrable mark
- Registration, renewal and cancellation
- Transfer, pledge and licences
- Offences and penalties
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/21 · 28/5/1423H
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .