Saudi Arabia Approves National Intellectual Property Policy

Saudi Arabia has approved a National Intellectual Property Policy in August 2026, establishing a nationwide framework to strengthen innovation, protect creative works, and support the commercialization of intellectual property. The policy is overseen by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) through sectoral initiatives aligned with the National IP Strategy.

The policy is built around five pillars: awareness and education; intellectual property generation; management and registration; respect and enforcement; and exploitation and commercialization. It is backed by a National IP Strategy budget of SAR 1 billion over five years to 2028, supporting inventors, IP administration, commercialization, and enforcement measures.

What it means for businesses and creators

Rights administration and registration are handled through SAIP's official online portal, with fees paid electronically in Saudi riyals via online payment or bank transfer. Applications do not progress until the relevant fee is paid and recorded in the system.

For patents, the filing fee is SAR 800, with annual maintenance (annuities) payable each year starting from the year after filing. Late payment is possible within an additional three-month period at a doubled fee; non-payment after that period causes the patent or application to lapse. Reinstatement of rights and restoration of priority rights each cost SAR 2,000.

For trademarks, application submission is SAR 1,000, publication is SAR 500, and registration with certificate issuance is SAR 5,000 Renewal within the last year of protection is SAR 5,000, rising to SAR 6,500 if filed within six months after expiry, plus a SAR 1,000 renewal publication fee. Filing and acknowledgment typically take one to three days, with publication around one to two months and registration one to two months after the opposition period, subject to no successful opposition.

The policy signals a clearer, more accessible path for residents, expats, and companies to protect ideas, brands, and inventions across the Kingdom.

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