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 religiously significant names in branding and marketing efforts.
These changes are more than just regulatory fine print—they’re a clear signal that the Kingdom is strengthening its commitment to preserving Islamic heritage in line with Vision 2030’s values-based modernization.
Why This Matters
The names “Mecca,” “Medina,” “The Grand Mosque” (Masjid al-Haram), and “The Prophet’s Mosque” (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) carry immense spiritual, cultural, and geopolitical weight. Misusing them in commercial trademarks, product branding, or company names not only risks misleading consumers—it can be seen as sacrilegious.
Saudi Arabia’s move is a pre-emptive strike against brand commodification of religious identity—particularly at a time when Hajj tourism, Islamic fintech, and halal products are on the rise globally.
This blog is a part of our The Ultimate Guide to Intellectual Property Law blogpost.
What the New Trademark Regulations Say
According to SAIP, these regulations are now in force and apply to both domestic and foreign companies seeking trademark protection in Saudi Arabia. Below is a breakdown of the key provisions:
Real Connection to the Cities Is Mandatory
“The use of the name Mecca, Medina, the Grand Mosque, or the Prophet’s Mosque must be linked to a significant and legitimate project or service physically located in those cities
This means that businesses must demonstrate a geographic or functional connection to Mecca or Medina to justify use of the names in their trademark. Using the name “Mecca Sweets” while operating solely in Riyadh? That’s a no-go.
Sacred Names Cannot Be the Main Feature of a Trademark
Companies may not center their brand identity around these sacred terms. The name must be a supplementary component, not the core branding.
For instance:
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- Invalid: Mecca Coffee™ (unless the brand operates a major facility in Mecca)
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- Acceptable: Al Nour Coffee – A Mecca Tradition (if Mecca-based operations are proven)
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Avoid Confusion and Misrepresentation
SAIP emphasized that usage of these names should not mislead consumers or imply false religious endorsement. Businesses must not create the impression that their products are directly affiliated with the holy sites or their administrations (such as the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques).
No Exclusive Rights to Sacred Names
Trademark applicants cannot monopolize the names “Mecca,” “Medina,” or related holy sites. Even if a trademark includes one of these names, the rights granted are limited in scope, and others may still use them under compliant conditions.
This ensures religious and cultural equity while balancing commercial freedoms.
Reputation Safeguarding Clause
The new rules also introduce a unique moral safeguard: Businesses must not use sacred names in a way that harms, disrespects, or devalues their religious or geographic significance.
This is a clear message to international and local businesses alike: sensitivity and cultural respect are not optional—they are legal obligations.
Legal Context: Reinforcing Broader IP Reforms
This development is part of a wider legal push by Saudi Arabia to protect national, religious, and cultural symbols under intellectual property and commercial laws.
Late 2024, the Ministry of Commerce issued a directive that:
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- Prohibits religious, tribal, political, and military references in new trade names
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- Enforces penalties up to SAR 50,000 for violations
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- Calls for stricter review of existing trade licenses
Additionally, commercial use of Saudi flags, emblems, or images of national leaders was banned:
Global Implications: What This Means for Foreign Brands
If you’re a foreign company:
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- You must comply with these naming rules when seeking trademark protection in Saudi Arabia via direct filing.
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- SAIP will examine and reject any mark that violates these cultural and religious principles—even if it’s approved elsewhere.
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- Trademark audits and localization strategies are highly recommended.
Practical Tips for Compliance
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- Avoid religiously charged terms unless you have operational legitimacy within Mecca or Medina.
- File supporting documents (like local business licenses or project blueprints) if using sacred names.
- Do not use images, architecture, or Arabic script suggestive of the Holy Mosques in branding unless approved.
Final Thoughts: A Legal Line Between Reverence and Revenue
Saudi Arabia’s new regulations aren’t just bureaucratic barriers—they’re a legal framework built on cultural preservation. In a time when branding strategies often try with religious symbolism to build emotional connections, this move by SAIP is a timely reminder that not all names are up for sale.
For businesses eyeing the Saudi market, this is the moment to align branding strategies with respectful, lawful, and culturally attuned practices.
