Introduction

In today's business world, a trademark is far more than a logo or a catchy name — it is a legally protected identity. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) is the sole body responsible for trademark registration, and it explicitly requires a certified translation for any trademark written in a language other than Arabic.

This requirement is not a bureaucratic formality. It is a legal safeguard that ensures the accurate meaning of the mark is documented before legislative and judicial bodies — protecting both applicants and the public.

What Is a Trademark Under Saudi Law?

Under the GCC Trademark Law as applied in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a trademark is defined as any distinctive sign — including names, words, signatures, letters, symbols, numbers, titles, seals, designs, images, engravings, packaging, graphic elements, shapes, colors, or any combination thereof — used to distinguish the goods or services of one enterprise from those of others.

Why Certified Translation Is a Necessity, Not an Option

Any trademark containing text in a foreign language — English, French, or otherwise — must be accompanied by an officially certified Arabic translation. This requirement serves four key legal purposes:

• Verifying the mark does not violate public order or Islamic morality.
• Detecting any semantic similarity with already-registered Arabic marks.
• Ensuring accurate examination by the relevant authority.
• Creating a clear legal record for any future objection or dispute.