Trademark renewals are expected to be filed online in Saudi Arabia by the end of the year.
There have been a number of unconfirmed reports that the renewal of trademarks will only be filed online. The move to electronic filing of trademark registrations back in late 2013 saw a substantial increase in publication fees. Accordingly, we expect that this time around as well that the move to e-filing will be coupled with an increase in publication fees related to the trademark renewals.
The online filing of trademark recordals is expected to come into force next year. As such, an increase in the publication fees of the recordal of assignments, licenses and mergers is expected. We do not foresee a change in the fees for the recordal of change of name and address, however.
As per the Saudi trademark law a trademark may be renewed up to one Hijri year (approx. 354 days) before the renewal due date. Accordingly we recommend that you apply for any renewals that fall due before the end of 2016 ahead of the expected increase in publication fees.
Should you have any questions, or require any additional information, please contact us at news@sabaip.com