Announcement: Update on Trademark Registration Regulations for Family Names

The Board of Directors of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, empowered by their jurisdiction, and in accordance with the provisions outlined in paragraph (2) of Article 5 of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property regulations as stipulated by Council of Ministers decision No.(496) on 14/9/1439, subsequently amended by Council of Ministers’ decision No. (621) on 20/10/1442, hereby issue the following update:

In light of the resolution passed in the Directors Board No. (02/12/1442) on 11/1/1442, pertaining to the registration of family names as trademarks, and in consideration of the recommendation presented by the executive committee from the Directors Board No. (03/03/2023) on 9/11/1444, and a thorough examination of the proceedings from the Directors Board meeting No. (26/2023) on 26/11/1444, and in pursuit of the greater public interest, the following amendments have been decided:

Amendments to Regulations and Criteria for Registering Family Names as Trademarks:

1. The family name proposed for trademark registration must correspond to an existing entry within a commercial register.
2. Trademark registration will only be granted for goods and/or services associated with the applicant’s established notability.
3. If the family name carries recognition in another country, the applicant is required to furnish the registration certificate from that respective country.
4. The registration of names associated with wide-ranging tribes and clans is exempted from this decision.
5. These revised regulations and criteria also apply to applications for trademark assignment in cases where a family name is involved.

Additional Decisions:

1. Empower the CEO to review and update these regulations and criteria as necessary, with the provision to inform the board of any amendments made.
2. This decision shall be communicated to the relevant parties responsible for enforcement and shall be enforced after its official publication in the Official Gazette.

For additional information, please feel free to reach out to us at: saudi@baianatip.com