The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is by far the largest Gulf country and occupies around four-fifths of the land area of the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia dominates the economies and politics of the region and has common borders with all the Gulf countries: Kuwait, Bahrain (Bahrain-Saudi Causeway), Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Yemen and Jordan.

Trade or service marks are acceptable for registration in Saudi Arabia in accordance with the Trade Marks Ordinance (Royal Decree No. 33/ 14) dated 10 August 1939. On 16 January 1984, the Trademark Law in Saudi Arabia was promulgated by Resolution No. 75 of the Saudi Council of Ministers. The period of a trademark registration is ten years renewable, for similar periods.

At present, there is no statutory law for the protection of designs in Saudi Arabia. It is, however, advisable to publish Cautionary Notices in the local Arabic and English newspapers in order to protect owners' rights.

LAWS

Patents:

Law No. M/38, May 1989.

Trade Marks:

Law No. M/5, January 1984.

Industrial Designs:

None

Copyright:

Law No. 11/M, December 1989.

FILING REQUIREMENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

A - TRADE/SERVICE MARK REGISTRATION

1. An Authorisation of agent form, signed by the applicant, duly notarised and legalised by the Saudi Embassy in the country of the applicant.
2. A copy of'the certificate of incorporation or any other document evidencing the existence of the owner.
3. A copy of the home certificate of registration, if the trademark has been registered in the home country of the applicant, or of registration in any other foreign country, or if such documents are not available, a certificate from the Chamber of Commerce establishing ownership of the trademark.
4. Twenty-five prints of the trademark as the one affixed on the application for registration.
5. A clear statement of the goods to be covered and colours to be protected by the trademark.

B - RECORDAL OF RENEWAL

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant and duly legalised by the Saudi Embassy in the country of the applicant.
2. The original Saudi certificate of registration for endorsement purposes.

C - RECORDAL OF AN ASSIGNMENT

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the Assignee and duly legalised by the Saudi Embassy.
2. A Deed of Assignment or a Home Certificate of Assignment, signed by the Assignor and the Assignee, duly legalised by the Saudi Embassy.
3. The original Saudi certificate of registration of the trademark for endorsement purposes.

D - RECORDAL OF MERGER/LICENCE

1. An Authorisation of Agent form, signed by the applicant and duly legalised by the Saudi Embassy.
2. A certificate of the merger or a copy of the licence agreement, duly legalised by the Saudi Embassy in the count