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ARTICLE · 08 SEPTEMBER 2026

Saudi Arabia Joins The Madrid Protocol

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From October 2026, brand owners will gain access to the Madrid Protocol for trademark protection in Saudi Arabia, opening new opportunities for international businesses. This streamlined filing system allows multiple territories to be designated within a single application, potentially offering significant cost savings and reduced administrative complexity for companies expanding their brand protection into the Middle East market.

GlobalIntellectual Property
Becky Swindell
Becky Swindell
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From 08 October 2026, brand owners will be able to utilise the Madrid Protocol as part of their trade mark protection strategy involving Saudi Arabia, offering a valuable opportunity for businesses seeking to protect their brand there.

The Madrid Protocol (also known as an International Registration or IR) is a popular filing system which allows for multiple territories to be designated within a single application and can often be an accessible and cost-effective way of obtaining trade mark protection overseas.

Once its accession comes into effect next month, Saudi Arabia can be designated in all new International filings or within subsequent designations of existing International Registrations. The upcoming change will also offer prospects to local business within Saudi Arabia who will now be able to use the Madrid Protocol to file their own brands overseas.

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