The Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol) offers a practical and cost-effective way to obtain trademark protection in multiple countries through a single, centralized application. The resulting “IR mark” is based on a “basic mark” in the applicant’s home country—for German applicants, this would be a German national trademark or an EU trademark.
Saudi Arabia has now joined the Madrid Protocol; starting October 8, 2026, it will be possible to apply for an IR mark that includes Saudi Arabia or to extend the protection of an existing IR mark to the country. In many cases, this eliminates the need for separate initial national applications filed with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), drastically reducing legal, translation, and administrative costs, as formal legalizations are generally no longer required.
This brings the total number of countries accessible via an IR mark to 133.
Saudi Arabia is the fifth Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state to join the Madrid System, following the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar (Kuwait is currently the only GCC member remaining outside the system).
Important Development in the Region: Protection for Class 33 (Alcoholic Beverages)
Alongside Saudi Arabia’s accession to the Madrid System, adjustments are also being made to the goods and services classifications in individual Gulf states. While the registration of alcoholic beverages in Nice Class 33 was historically strictly prohibited in parts of the region, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE (since September 15, 2026), and Qatar (since April 2026) have adjusted their practices and now permit applications in Class 33.
Despite joining the Madrid System, Saudi Arabia (along with Kuwait) maintains its strict ban on Class 33. For religious and cultural reasons, the Saudi authority (SAIP) continues to rigorously review applications under domestic law; consequently, trademarks for alcoholic beverages remain excluded in the Kingdom.
Further information is available on the WIPO website:
https://www.wipo.int/en/web/madrid-system/w/news/2026/saudi-arabia-joins-wipos-madrid-system
We would be happy to advise you on the best trademark registration strategy for your needs.