Saudi Arabia Joins the Madrid Protocol
July 23, 2026Saudi Arabia has joined the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, marking a significant expansion of international trade mark protection in the Gulf region. The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession to the Madrid Protocol with the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on July 8, 2026. The Madrid Protocol will enter into force in respect of Saudi Arabia on October 8, 2026.
The accession extends the geographical reach of the Madrid System to 133 countries and further strengthens the System as a practical mechanism for obtaining and managing international trade mark protection.
From October 8, 2026, eligible brand owners in Saudi Arabia will be able to seek protection for their trade marks in Madrid System member jurisdictions through a single international application, using one language, one set of fees and one currency.
Likewise, trade mark holders in other Madrid System member jurisdictions will be able to designate Saudi Arabia in their international trade mark applications. Existing holders of international registrations will also be able to extend their international protection to Saudi Arabia in accordance with the applicable Madrid System procedures.
Saudi Arabia's accession is an important development for international businesses and brand owners operating in or entering the Gulf region. It provides an additional filing route for obtaining trade mark protection in the Kingdom and contributes to the continuing expansion of the Madrid System as a central component of international brand protection.