Saudi Arabia has officially joined the WIPO Madrid System for the international registration of trademarks, marking another significant expansion of the world’s leading international trademark filing system.

The Government of Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol on 8 July 2026. The Protocol will enter into force for Saudi Arabia on 8 October 2026. Following this accession, the Madrid Union now comprises 117 Contracting Parties, while the Madrid System provides access to trademark protection across 133 countries.

A Significant Development for the Gulf Region

Saudi Arabia’s accession is particularly important for businesses operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

As from 8 October 2026, trademark owners in five of the six GCC member states—Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—will be able to use the Madrid System to obtain international trademark protection through a single application.

The accession is expected to simplify cross-border brand protection and facilitate international trademark portfolio management for businesses throughout the region.

What Changes on 8 October 2026?

Once the Madrid Protocol enters into force:

  • trademark owners in Saudi Arabia will be able to file international trademark applications through the Saudi Intellectual Property Office using the Madrid System;
  • applicants from all existing Madrid System members will be able to designate Saudi Arabia in new international trademark applications;
  • holders of existing International Registrations will be able to extend protection to Saudi Arabia through a subsequent designation.

Practical Advantages for Brand Owners

The Madrid System allows trademark owners to seek protection in multiple jurisdictions through a single international application.

Among its principal advantages are:

  • one international application;
  • one language;
  • one set of official fees paid in one currency;
  • centralized management of renewals, ownership changes and other post-registration matters.

For businesses expanding into the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s participation removes the need to file separate national trademark applications solely for Saudi Arabia once the Protocol becomes effective.

Important Procedural Declarations by Saudi Arabia

In addition to its accession, Saudi Arabia has made several declarations under the Madrid Protocol that are relevant for international trademark applicants.

18-Month Time Limit for Provisional Refusals

Saudi Arabia has declared that it will apply the 18-month time limit for notifying provisional refusals under Article 5(2)(b) of the Madrid Protocol.

Furthermore, where a refusal results from an opposition proceeding, Saudi Arabia may notify that refusal after the expiry of the initial 18-month period, as permitted under Article 5(2)(c).

Applicants designating Saudi Arabia should therefore take into account that examination may extend beyond 18 months if opposition proceedings arise.

Individual Fees Will Apply

Saudi Arabia has also declared that it will receive individual fees under Article 8(7)(a) of the Madrid Protocol instead of participating in the distribution of supplementary and complementary fees.

WIPO has announced that the applicable individual designation fees will be published separately in a future Information Notice.

Division and Merger Are Not Available

Saudi Arabia has further notified WIPO that its national trademark legislation does not provide for:

  • division of trademark registrations; or
  • merger of registrations resulting from a division.

Consequently, the Saudi Intellectual Property Office will not transmit requests for division or merger of International Registrations to WIPO.

Impact on International Trademark Strategy

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest economies in the Middle East and an increasingly important destination for international investment.

Its accession to the Madrid System offers brand owners a more efficient route for securing trademark protection in the Saudi market while simplifying regional filing strategies.

Businesses planning to expand into Saudi Arabia should review their international trademark portfolios to determine whether Saudi Arabia should be included in future international applications or added through subsequent designation after 8 October 2026.