This follows nicely on from the recent signing of a trade deal between the UK and the GCC. Nevertheless, the countries of the region, in particular, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have long been commercially important to many British businesses (and to those from other countries too).

Joining the Madrid Protocol will make obtaining trade mark protection, when part of a multi-country scope, far easier and cost-effective. Although it has got better in recent years – particularly when Saudi Arabia started accepting documents legalised with an Apostille and not up to their Consulate – the filing formalities for an International application are far more straightforward and less cumbersome than a national direct application.

Over the last few years, Saudi Arabia has taken a rigid approach to specification of goods and services. It allowed only goods and services picked from a closed list. Filing through the International system will provide more flexibility in specifications but care should be taken in how they are interpreted locally and the impact on enforcement.

Saudi Arabia will become available in an International application from 8 October 2026. Fees are yet to be determined, but, as is common with their neighbours, are expected to be some of the highest. Nevertheless, filing via the Madrid Protocol will likely work out more cost-effective as long as three or more other countries/regions are designated within the International application.

As one of the larger filers of International applications worldwide, please reach out to Stobbs if you would like support with these including expansion to Saudi Arabia.