Saudi Arabia Joins the Madrid Protocol: What Trademark Owners Need to Know
Saudi Arabia has officially joined the Madrid Protocol, marking an important development for trademark protection and international brand expansion in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession on 8 July 2026, and the Madrid Protocol will enter into force for the Kingdom on 8 October 2026.
What is the Madrid Protocol?
The Madrid Protocol is the treaty governing the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks. It allows eligible trademark owners to seek protection in multiple member jurisdictions through a single international application and a centralized filing and portfolio-management system.
With Saudi Arabia joining the system, the Madrid System now extends to 133 countries.
What does Saudi Arabia’s accession mean for Saudi trademark owners?
From 8 October 2026, eligible trademark owners in Saudi Arabia will be able to use the Madrid System to seek trademark protection in other Madrid System members through a single international application.
For Saudi businesses expanding internationally, this can provide a more centralized way to manage trademark protection across several markets. However, each designated jurisdiction will continue to examine protection under its own applicable trademark laws and procedures.
What does it mean for foreign trademark owners?
Trademark owners from other Madrid System members will also be able to designate Saudi Arabia in their international trademark applications from 8 October 2026.
This provides foreign businesses with an additional route for seeking trademark protection in the Saudi market, alongside the national filing route.
Examination of international trademark registrations in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has declared that the period for notifying a refusal of protection under the Madrid Protocol will be 18 months. In certain opposition-related cases, a refusal may be notified after that 18-month period. Saudi Arabia has also elected to receive an individual fee for international registrations designating the Kingdom and for renewals.
What should trademark owners consider now?
Businesses with current or planned trademark portfolios should consider how Saudi Arabia’s accession may affect their filing strategy.
Relevant considerations include the choice between Madrid System and national filings, the countries in which protection is commercially important, trademark clearance before filing, the scope of goods and services, renewal strategy, and possible objections or opposition proceedings.
The appropriate filing strategy will depend on the trademark owner’s commercial objectives, target markets, and existing portfolio.
How Alkhanfar IP can assist
Alkhanfar IP provides strategic support on trademark protection, filing strategies, international portfolio considerations, clearance, prosecution, and related intellectual property matters in Saudi Arabia.
Businesses considering the impact of Saudi Arabia’s accession to the Madrid Protocol can obtain advice tailored to their trademark portfolio, commercial objectives, and target markets.