Trademark search in Saudi Arabia: check whether your brand name is free
Before filing, check that no similar mark is already registered in Saudi Arabia. SAIP, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, offers a free and immediate search of its database, but it does not tell you what to search for. The tool below prepares the terms and classes to check, whether you search the Latin name or its Arabic version; the method below helps you read the results.
- Search of SAIP's database
- Free, immediate1
- Official filing fees, per class
- SAR 6,5002
- Opposition period after publication
- 60 days2
In brief
- In Saudi Arabia, a trademark search is run in the database of SAIP, the Saudi intellectual property office, through its online search engine: the service is free and the result immediate (SAIP service page checked on 6 October 2026).
- A useful search goes beyond the exact name: it covers spelling variants, the Arabic version and the Nice classes next to your business, because SAIP refuses a mark that is too close to an earlier mark for similar goods or services.
- The Ministry of Commerce also refuses a trade name that resembles a registered or well-known trademark, so the trademark search matters before you incorporate as well.
- A filing costs SAR 6,500 in official fees per class and can be opposed for 60 days after publication: a free search beforehand avoids most refusals and oppositions.
- A search does not guarantee registration: SAIP also examines distinctiveness, and only its decision counts.
Prepare your trademark search
Terms to search in the SAIP search engine
The exact name, its separate words and close spelling variants: conflicts often come down to a single letter.
Type your brand name to get the list of terms to search.
Main Nice classes
- 9Downloadable software, apps, electronic devices
- 42IT services, SaaS, engineering, design
Neighbouring classes to check
- 35Advertising, business management, retail and online sales
- 41Training, education, events, entertainment
Checks to complete
0/6
A search-preparation tool: it does not query SAIP's database itself and does not tell you whether your mark is available. Suggested classes are indicative; only SAIP decides on registration. SAIP's official search service
How to do a trademark search in Saudi Arabia, step by step
Allow one to two hours for one name and two or three classes. Prepare your terms and classes with the tool above first.
- 1
List the terms to search
The exact name, the name written as one word, its separate words, then close spelling variants (ph and f, c and k, y and i, doubled letters). Add the Arabic version if you have one.
- Qui
- You, with the tool
- Durée
- 10 min
- 2
Identify your Nice classes
The Nice Classification has 45 classes, 34 for goods and 11 for services. Keep your main classes and the neighbouring ones where a competitor could oppose your mark.
- Qui
- You, with the tool
- Durée
- 10 min
- 3
Search SAIP's engine
From the SAIP website, under 'IP search engine', run each term against the trademark database. The service is free and immediate, and searches the national trademark databases.
- Qui
- You
- Durée
- 30–60 min
- 4
Read and sort the results
For every close mark, note the number, owner, classes and status. Sort them with the table below: identical, similar or no risk.
- Qui
- You
- Durée
- 20 min
- 5
Check trade names and international marks
Search your name in the commercial register (free Ministry of Commerce service) and in WIPO's Global Brand Database, which matters now that Saudi Arabia can be designated through the Madrid System (8 October 2026).
- Qui
- You
- Durée
- 15 min
- 6
Have it reviewed before filing
A 'similar' result is judged case by case: similar goods, visual, phonetic or conceptual likeness. We have your results reviewed by a SAIP-licensed agent before starting the trademark registration.
- Qui
- Tasis and the licensed agent
- Durée
- 1 to 3 days
How do I read the search results?
The GCC Trademark Law, applied by SAIP, bars registration of a mark identical or similar to an earlier mark for identical or similar goods or services where confusion is likely. An indicative reading grid:
Table 1
| What you find | Risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Identical mark, same class | High: refusal or opposition likely | Change the name, or explore buying the mark or a coexistence deal |
| Similar mark (one letter, a sound, a translation), same or neighbouring class | Medium to high | Have a licensed agent assess it before filing |
| Identical mark in an unrelated class | Low, unless well known | File with a precise list of goods and services |
| Well-known mark (major international brand) | High, even if not filed in Saudi Arabia | Drop the name: well-known marks are protected beyond their classes |
| No close result | Low, not zero | File quickly: the filing date decides between two applications |
Should you search the Arabic version of your mark?
Yes, a trademark search in Saudi Arabia should include Arabic. An Arabic mark that sounds like yours can be raised against you even if the letters have nothing in common. Likelihood of confusion is assessed in writing and in speech.
Search the Arabic spelling you plan to use, then the one a Saudi customer would write naturally. If in doubt, a translator can validate the transcription; see also the Arabic version question in our filing guide.
What a search does not tell you
After the search: how much does filing cost, and how long does it take?
SAIP official fees per mark and per class, taken from its service page on 6 October 2026.
Table 2
| Step | SAIP fee | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Database search | Free | Immediate |
| Registration application | SAR 1,000 (≈ $267) | Service time: 90 days |
| Publication | SAR 500 (≈ $133) | 60-day opposition window |
| Registration and certificate | SAR 5,000 (≈ $1,333) | Invoice payable within 30 days |
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if a name is registered as a trademark in Saudi Arabia?
Use SAIP's search engine, reached from saip.gov.sa: the service is free and immediate. Search the exact name, its spelling variants and its Arabic version, then filter on the Nice classes of your business.
Is the SAIP trademark search free?
Yes. SAIP lists its search platform for registered trademarks as a free online service with an immediate result. Fees only start when you file: SAR 1,000 per class for the application.
How do I find out if a trademark is registered?
Search the national database of the country concerned, here SAIP's for Saudi Arabia, using the exact name and close variants, then check trade names and WIPO's Global Brand Database for international marks. The tool on this page prepares the terms and classes for a trademark search in Saudi Arabia.
Is a free trademark search in Saudi Arabia enough before filing?
A free trademark search in Saudi Arabia rules out obvious conflicts, which is already a lot. For a mark close to another, or a significant investment, have the results reviewed by a licensed agent, who judges similarity the way the examiner will.
Can my company name be refused because of a trademark?
Yes. The Ministry of Commerce refuses to reserve a trade name that resembles a registered or well-known trademark in Saudi Arabia. Check the trademark before reserving the name for your commercial registration.
Is my UK, EU or US trademark protected in Saudi Arabia?
No, trademark rights are territorial. You need a SAIP filing or, from 8 October 2026, a designation of Saudi Arabia through the Madrid System. A clearance search is needed either way.
Notes and sources
- 1.SAIP: search platform for registered trademarks (free, immediate)
- 2.SAIP: trademark registration service (fees, steps, timelines)
- 3.SAIP: IP search engine
- 4.Ministry of Commerce: trade name reservation (refused if similar to a trademark)
- 5.SAIP: GCC Trademark Law, implementing regulations and fee schedule (PDF)
- 6.WIPO: information notice No. 35/2026, Saudi Arabia's accession to the Madrid Protocol
Information verified in October 2026. Amounts and timelines are observed ranges provided for information only. Government fees are set by Saudi authorities and may change: we confirm them in writing before you commit to anything.
See also
Does a result look close to your mark?
Send us your trademark search results for Saudi Arabia, or just the marks you found: we have them reviewed by a SAIP-licensed agent and tell you, in plain English, whether to file, adjust the name or change class. A free 30-minute first call, and a reply within one working day.
- Free 30-minute first call
- Reply within one business day
- No commitment