A trademark is a type of intellectual property generally refers to a name, symbol, or logo used by a business to identify its products or services and distinguish them from those of other companies. On the other hand, a brand is a company or product's overall image and identity. In other words, a trademark is one specific element of a brand.
All trademarks are necessarily brands, but the opposite is only sometimes correct. Although you might not need to register your brand, legally protecting it can be very useful.
Most countries have adopted the Madrid Agreement and Protocol for registering trademarks; others still need to confirm and draft their laws.
This article will get you through the benefits, requirements, and processes of brand registration in Saudi Arabia, which is one example of fixing a system on its own.
Benefits of registering a trademark
The brand will get you recognition and customer loyalty, but a trademark will grant you the confidence of your potential customers and legal protection.
There are many benefits to registering a trademark, including the following:
It gives the owner exclusive rights to use the trademark in connection with their goods and services.
It helps customers identify your products and services from others.
It helps to prevent others from using the same or a similar trademark, which could confuse consumers.
It can be a valuable marketing tool to help create brand awareness and build customer loyalty.
It can add value to a company by becoming an intangible asset.
It protects you from infringers and counterfeiters seeking to exploit your success.
It can be licensed or sold to another party.
Are you tempted to enjoy the whole experience of distinction among your competitors?
Then, keep reading to figure out how to do so in simple steps.
Requirements for brand registration in Saudi Arabia
Article three of the Trademark Law Regulations For the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf specifies the following requirements to initiate the registration process:
Mention the name, address, and nationality of the applicant. If the applicant is a legal person, they should mention their name and address.
Accurate description of the trademark to be registered
Products or services for which the trademark is registered, along with their categories.
Priority date and number and the state where it was deposited (if any)
Include the signature of the applicant or his authorized agent. If a legal person applies, the papers shall be signed by the authorized signatory, and if submitted by an agent, he shall state his name and address.
Whereas article Four determines the documents that need to be provided by the applicant. These include the following:
Four photos of the trademark
If an agent applies, a copy of the agency agreement shall be attached to the original for conformity. The original document must be duly authenticated.
Evidence of practicing the profession or activity.
Proof of the payment of the application fees.
The applicant must submit a certified translation into Arabic if the trademark includes one or more words written in a foreign language.
Provide a musical note or a written description for Sound marks
Give a written description for Smells marks.
There is much to do before just Preparing these documents and heading to the ministry to apply. So let's break down the process step by step.
Steps for brand registration in Saudi Arabia
Brands and trademarks are properties to survive forever and hence must be well processed and determined. Therefore, you must go through a few standard steps before initiating the process.
Presubmission phase
Before confirming your choice of brand name, you have to search the market for existing similar brands or look-alikes. More than searching the internet will be required for this task; you must scrutinize the Trademark Registry to be 100% sure.
Submission phase
Once you have a unique brand name, apply to the competent department in the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) Ministry of Commerce. The process happens online for your convenience. Note that a power of attorney document needs to be attached to the application.
Examination and publication
The application shall be processed, and results announced within ninety days. The applicant will receive a registration certificate which shall include the Trademark registration's serial number, the date of the application and the date of registration, the name of the trademark owner, the full details of the products/service, etc.
Note that these services require fees, though a trademark is worth the trouble. If a green badge on your WhatsApp Business Platform account manifests and verifies your digital presence, a trademark ensures your brand's legal immunity. They will both lead to more confidence from your customers.