Register your trademark before someone else does

Your trade name on the commercial register and your trademark are not the same thing. A registered trademark gives you the exclusive right to use your brand for specific goods or services — and to stop others copying it.

Where to register

Trademarks are registered with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) through its online services.

The steps

1. 1Search existing trademarks to check that yours isn't already taken.
2. 2Choose the classes of goods or services you want to protect.
3. 3File the application with the logo or word mark and your details.
4. 4Examination and publication: others may object within the published period.
5. 5Registration and the certificate, valid for a period that you renew.

Tips

• Register before launching publicly, especially before spending on marketing.
• Protect both the Arabic and English versions if you use both.
• Diarise the renewal date.

A registered trademark is also an asset — it adds value if you franchise or sell the business.