Saudi Arabia Approves GCC Trademarks Law
06-Dec-2007
RIYADH - The Saudi Cabinet endorsed, in its session held on December 3, 2007, the Trademarks Law of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates), following the approval by the Shoura Council.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the term of protection, as per the law, is ten years which may be renewed for similar consecutive periods. Non-use for successive five years without a legitimate reason makes the mark subject for cancellation by any interested person.
As per the law, no unified filing exists. In order to gain protection for the trademark in all countries of the GCC, an application should be filed in each country.
Those who forge or imitate a registered trademark will be imprisoned for no more than five years and fined no more than 1 million Saudi Riyals (267,855 US Dollar) or given either of the two.
The law was enacted by the leaders of the GCC countries during the 27th session of the GCC Supreme Council Summit which took place in Riyadh, December 9-10, 2006.
Along with Saudi Arabia, the law has recently been approved in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as well.
The law will only be in force, once it is approved by all of the GCC countries and the pertinent implementing regulations are issued.