3,600-Year-Old Saudi Pottery Reveals Earliest Trademark

Researchers studying ancient pottery unearthed at the Qurayyah Oasis in northwestern Saudi Arabia say the finds reflect what may be the earliest known concept of a trademark in the region. The pottery dates back roughly 3,600 years and is linked to a specialized local production tradition in the Tabuk region.

The distinctive pieces are described as a two-colored painted ware. Researchers interpret their consistent forms and colors as an early attempt to create a recognizable commercial brand or product identifier — a way for makers to distinguish their goods from those of others thousands of years ago.

Why It Matters Today

The interpretation draws a fascinating line between ancient craft and modern commerce. In today's Saudi Arabia, a trademark is defined as a distinctive sign used to distinguish goods or services, and registration is handled through the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property.

Under the current framework, protectable marks can include names, words, symbols, numbers, images, patterns, colors, and combinations of these. For applications filed from 19 December 2023 onward, trademark filings are processed through the authority's electronic services platform, making registration a fully digital service.

For residents and business owners across Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond, the discovery is a reminder that branding is far from a modern invention. What ancient artisans achieved through form and color, today's entrepreneurs formalize through electronic registration — protecting the identity behind their products and services.

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