Renewing and Maintaining a Trademark in Saudi Arabia: A Detailed Legal Perspective

As trademark protection becomes increasingly critical across the GCC region, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a leading jurisdiction with a robust and sophisticated intellectual property framework. The Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening IP rights is evident through its adoption of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trademark Law and the establishment of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) — the central body responsible for administering, regulating, and enforcing IP rights, including trademarks.  

Saudi Arabia’s legal framework provides brand owners with a clear but stringent roadmap for trademark renewal and maintenance. Under Article 22, trademarks are initially registered for a period of ten (10) years from the filing date, and their renewal must strictly adhere to the prescribed deadlines to maintain continuous protection. Failure to do so can result in lapses that expose brands to loss of exclusive rights and open the door for third parties to appropriate valuable market goodwill. 

SAIP, established by Royal Decree No. M/21 28 Jumada I 1423/7 August 2002, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that trademark procedures are transparent, accessible, and aligned with international best practices. It enforces the provisions of the GCC Trademark Law alongside Saudi Arabia’s national regulations, providing clear guidance on renewal processes, required documentation, applicable fees, and penalties for non-compliance.  

Navigating trademark renewal and maintenance procedures with legal precision is not just about administrative compliance; it is about actively protecting brand equity, securing competitive advantage, and preserving a company’s reputation in an increasingly brand-driven economy. Legal practitioners and brand owners must be fully aware of the critical timelines, documentary requirements, and legal consequences laid out by SAIP to ensure that no inadvertent missteps jeopardize their rights.  

In today’s fast-evolving commercial environment, where brand value often represents a significant portion of a company’s overall worth, proactive trademark management in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s legal framework is essential. It ensures that businesses remain fully compliant, their brand assets remain protected, and costly legal pitfalls — such as cancellation actions, third-party infringements, and re-registration challenges — are effectively avoided.  

 This article is a part of our The Ultimate Guide to Intellectual Property Law – ATB Legal blogpost and associated with our Intellectual Property Services

Trademark Renewal: Legal Framework and Timeframe 

In Saudi Arabia, trademarks are protected under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trademark Law, which has been incorporated into the Kingdom’s national regulations. Upon successful registration, a trademark is protected for an initial period of 10 years from the filing date. 

Renewal Window 

• • A trademark must be renewed within the 12 months preceding the expiration date of the registration. 

• • Late renewal is allowed within a six-month grace period following expiry but incurs statutory penalties. 

• • After the grace period, if renewal is not completed, the trademark will lapse and lose protection. 

Renewal Process: Step-by-Step Guide 

Understanding the renewal process from a legal practitioner’s standpoint is crucial for seamless compliance. Below is a step-by-step breakdown: 

1. 1. Preparation of Documentation

The following documents are essential: 

• • • Copy of the Trademark Registration Certificate. 

• • • Power of Attorney (POA), duly notarized and legalized up to the Saudi Consulate (mandatory if submitted by an agent). 

• • • Completed Renewal Application Form. 

• • • Proof of Payment of the official renewal fee and any late penalties, if applicable. 

• • • Updated Ownership Details, including any changes in the trademark owner’s name, address, or legal structure.  

1. 2. Filing the Application

• • • Renewal applications must be filed online via the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) portal. 

• • • Legal counsel must ensure: 

• • • The renewal application pertains to the same mark and same class as initially registered. 

• • • Any significant alterations would necessitate a new application. 

1. 3. Examination and Approval

• • • SAIP reviews the submitted documents. 

• • • Clarifications may be requested if inconsistencies arise. 

• • • Upon approval, a new renewal certificate is issued, extending the trademark’s protection for another 10 years from the expiration date of the previous registration.  

Penalties for Late Renewal 

Failure to meet the renewal deadlines exposes trademark owners to several significant risks: 

🔸 Late Renewal Fees 

• • • A surcharge will be imposed if the trademark is renewed during the six-month grace period. 

• • • No renewal is allowed once this grace period lapses.  

🔸 Loss of Protection 

• • • If not renewed timely, the trademark loses its legal protection. 

• • • Third parties may file for identical or similar marks, which could dilute or completely strip away the original brand’s market value. 

🔸 Re-registration Requirement 

• • • If the registration lapses, the trademark owner must file a new application. 

• • • The new application will undergo a full examination process, subject to potential objections and oppositions, thus risking loss of prior priority. 

Legal Considerations for Trademark Maintenance 

Trademark owners must look beyond mere administrative renewal to actively preserve and enforce their rights: 

• • Active Use Requirement:
    Saudi law mandates that a registered trademark be actively used in commerce. Non-use for five consecutive years without a legitimate excuse can result in cancellation by a third party. 

• • Trademark Portfolio Management:
    It is advisable for brand owners to conduct regular audits of their trademark portfolios to ensure: 

• • • Registrations are up to date. 

• • • Renewals are filed within the prescribed timelines. 

• • • No changes in ownership or address have gone unreported. 

• • • Centralized Trademark Calendar:
      Maintain a meticulously updated calendar tracking all upcoming trademark renewal deadlines. 

• • • Trademark Watch Services:
      Engage professional watch services to monitor new filings that may infringe upon your trademark rights. 

• • • Up-to-Date Records:
      Ensure all ownership and address details are accurately reflected in the SAIP records. 

• • • Annual Legal Review:
      Conduct yearly consultations with IP legal experts to review trademark strategy across all relevant jurisdictions and anticipate potential risks. 

• • • Preventive Enforcement Measures:
      Proactively enforce trademark rights against infringers to maintain brand exclusivity and deter misuse. 

Safeguarding Brand Value: The Strategic Importance of Timely Trademark Renewal in Saudi Arabia 

Trademark renewal in Saudi Arabia is a relatively straightforward administrative process, but it demands unwavering attention to strict timelines and legal formalities. Missing a renewal deadline can lead to severe consequences, including costly penalties, lapse of rights, and even permanent forfeiture of critical brand assets.   

For businesses operating in the Kingdom’s dynamic and highly competitive marketplace, trademark management is not merely a procedural formality. It is a strategic imperative vital to protecting market share, reinforcing brand equity, and ensuring long-term business sustainability. 

Engaging competent legal counsel ensures that renewals are handled properly, records are maintained accurately, and any regulatory changes are swiftly addressed. Proactive and diligent trademark maintenance shields companies from unnecessary legal disputes, preserves exclusive rights, and strengthens market positioning.  

In today’s brand-driven economy, effective trademark renewal and maintenance are foundations of commercial success in Saudi Arabia.