The continued expansion of the Madrid System across the Middle East has reached an important milestone with Saudi Arabia’s accession to the Madrid Protocol. The international treaty, which underpins the Madrid System for trade mark registration, will enter into force in the Kingdom on 8 October 2026.
For brand owners, this development represents another step towards a more connected regional trade mark framework, making it easier to secure protection across an increasingly dynamic commercial market.
Saudi Arabia’s accession in practice
Once the Madrid Protocol takes effect in Saudi Arabia, businesses will be able to designate (i.e. request trade mark protection in) Saudi Arabia through a single international trade mark application filed via the Madrid System, rather than filing a separate national application from the outset. Existing international registrations can also be extended to cover Saudi Arabia.
Likewise, Saudi-based businesses will gain access to a simplified route for obtaining trade mark protection across the Madrid System’s extensive network of member countries through a single application, in one language and with one set of fees.
This development is particularly significant given Saudi Arabia’s growing importance as a business hub. As the largest economy in the Middle East and a key focus of foreign investment under its Vision 2030 programme, the Kingdom continues to attract businesses seeking to expand their presence in the region.
Growing Madrid System coverage across the Gulf and Middle East
Saudi Arabia’s accession is also part of a wider regional trend towards greater adoption of the Madrid System across the Middle East. With the Kingdom joining the Protocol, five of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) are now members, leaving Kuwait as the only GCC country yet to join.
For businesses operating across the Gulf, this progress is particularly welcome. Historically, obtaining trade mark protection across the region often required multiple national filings, each involving separate procedures, costs and timelines. Today, the increasing coverage of the Madrid System is making it easier to build and manage trade mark portfolios across several key Middle Eastern markets through a single international filing strategy.
Benefits of a single international filing
For many businesses, the Madrid System offers a practical and cost-effective route to securing trade mark protection across multiple jurisdictions.
Rather than filing separate applications in each country of interest, trade mark owners can seek protection across multiple territories through a single international application. The system provides a centralised framework, with one language, one currency and one set of fees, while also simplifying the ongoing management of trade mark portfolios.
Key benefits include:
- Reduced administrative burden when seeking protection across multiple countries.
- Potential cost savings compared with filing and managing separate national applications.
- Easier portfolio management, including renewals and ownership changes.
- Greater flexibility to expand protection into additional member countries as business needs develop.
While each designated country continues to examine applications under its own national laws, the Madrid System can substantially reduce the complexity associated with securing and managing trade mark protection internationally.
Why this matters for businesses expanding into the Gulf region
The Gulf remains one of the world’s most attractive regions for investment and growth, with opportunities across sectors including technology, retail, consumer goods, healthcare, financial services and entertainment. As businesses continue to establish and expand their presence across these markets, protecting brand assets remains a critical part of any growth strategy.
The ability to seek protection across most GCC markets through the Madrid System enables businesses to take a more coordinated and efficient approach to brand protection, reducing both cost and administrative complexity.
Saudi Arabia’s accession provides brand owners with a simpler route to securing trade mark protection across the Gulf and further strengthens the region’s integration into the international trade mark system. With only Kuwait remaining outside the Madrid System among GCC member states, businesses looking to enter or expand within the Gulf should find it easier to develop a coordinated trade mark protection strategy across some of the region’s most important markets.
If you have any questions or would like further advice on this topic, please contact your usual W&R contact.
Mark Caddle
This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
© Withers & Rogers LLP August 2026
