Saudi Arabia puts into force extension of protection for industrial designs
22 March 2024
Jehad Ali E Hasan, CEO , JAH Intellectual Property, Doha
Saudi Arabia has recently taken significant steps to improve intellectual property rights by launching a new National Intellectual Property Platform Project, the first of its kind in the region, and looking into laws and provisions governing IPR protection. Notably, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has issued its decision No. 197 to extend the protection validity of designs from 10 to 15 years.
“Such a move has been taken to encourage and attract design owners to seek protections for their designs in the kingdom and enjoy a longer protection validity of 15 years instead of 10 years,” said Jehad Ali E Hasan, CEO of JAH Intellectual Property in Doha. “The said decision was put in force on February 24, 2024, when SAIP started requesting agents to start paying the 11th official annuity fees through the SADAD payment system.”
Mohcine Fattah, IP Senior Director, JAH Intellectual Property, Doha
He added: “The immediate foreseeable impact is that design owners will now enjoy an additional five years of protection of their designs provided that they settle the due annuities timely. As for the long-term impacts, an increase in the number of industrial design applicants is expected to double due to this good move initiated by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP).”
According to Mohcine Fattah, an IP senior director at the same company, Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula, is speedily changing into a kingdom of innovation and economic diversification with this move. “This switch, marked by the country’s strategic vision and policy reforms, signifies a redefined future that meets its Vision 2030. This evolution not only safeguards creators and innovators but also reflects the kingdom’s commitment to creating a secure and predictable environment for intellectual property rights holders, amongst which are industrial designs, which are seen to proliferate,” he said.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
