“Saudi Arabia’s mandatory mediation initiative signifies a cultural shift, integrating traditional amicable settlement values with modern legal practice to create a fair, efficient, and amicable commercial dispute resolution system aligned with Vision 2030 and global standards.” Introduction Mandatory mediation has emerged as a pivotal development in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing legal reforms, reflecting a broader global...
Trademark protection plays a vital role in safeguarding brand identity, promoting fair competition, and preventing consumer confusion. While the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council)—including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar—share common goals for intellectual property (IP) development and have even adopted the GCC Trademark Law framework, each jurisdiction maintains distinct local procedures and nuances. This...
When registering a trademark in Saudi Arabia, one of the most crucial decisions a business owner or brand representative must make is selecting the correct trademark class. This decision directly affects the scope of protection your trademark will receive and can have long-term legal and commercial consequences if done incorrectly. In this article, we will...
Saudi Arabia, as the largest economy in the Middle East, offers an attractive and fast-growing market for businesses aiming to expand their brands through trademark licensing and franchising. However, businesses must navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape governed by the Saudi Trademark Law, Franchise Law, and various Ministry of Commerce (MoC) regulations to...
In an era where counterfeit goods increasingly threaten global supply chains, Customs IP Recordal emerges as a critical tool in the intellectual property enforcement toolkit. For businesses operating in or exporting to Saudi Arabia, understanding the recordal process with the Saudi Customs Authority is essential to effectively protect trademarks and combat infringement at the border. ...
In the past decade, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a dramatic transformation that transcends infrastructure, energy, and finance. One of the most remarkable shifts has been in the realm of intellectual property (IP), especially copyright protection. As part of the broader Vision 2030 framework, the Kingdom has actively strengthened its legal and regulatory...
In a country where religion and identity are deeply intertwined, Saudi Arabia has taken a bold legal step to protect the sanctity of its holiest cities—Mecca and Medina—from commercial misuse. The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), under Gulf Cooperation Council Trademark – Article 3(5), has recently issued new trademark regulations restricting the use of...
Established in 1977, Almarai has grown into one of the most recognizable food and beverage brands in the Middle East. Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the company produces and distributes dairy, juice, bakery, poultry, and infant nutrition products. With an estimated brand value exceeding USD 2 billion, Almarai’s name is synonymous with quality and trust...
India and Saudi Arabia, two of Asia’s economic powerhouses, have historically shared strong commercial ties, particularly in the energy sector. However, in April 2025, the two countries took a decisive step forward, signing a landmark agreement aimed at deepening cooperation in energy security, defence manufacturing, and strategic partnerships. This article explores the developments, their broader...
In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the new Commercial Registration and Trade Name Laws, effective April 2025, represent a major step toward modernizing the Kingdom’s business environment. These reforms aim to streamline regulatory procedures, promote investment, and enhance transparency. The new Commercial Registration Law introduces a unified national commercial registry, enabling businesses to conduct...
