KSA-REGULATIONS ON THE USE OF SAUDI ARABIA’S NAME AND DESIGNATIONS OF CITIES, REGIONS, AND PUBLIC PLACES IN TRADE NAMES
Minister of Commerce’s Decision No. (113) of 19/05/1445 A.H.
The Minister of Commerce, authorized by Royal Decree No. M/15 dated 12/08/1420 A.H., and the Noble Supreme Ordinance No. (86852) dated 18/12/1444 A.H., detailed in Clause Third, in collaboration with the Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers, who also serves as the Chairman of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, promulgates regulations endorsing the inclusion of the name of Saudi Arabia, along with city, region, and public place designations, in trade names or trademarks subject to registration. Registration authorization follows established legal procedures coordinated between the two authorities.
In consideration of the public interest,
Decisions made include:
Firstly: Enactment of regulations governing the use of the name of Saudi Arabia and designations of cities, regions, and public places in trade names, as attached herewith.
Secondly: Official publication of these regulations, effective from the date of publication.
Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi
GUIDELINES FOR TRADE NAMES INCORPORATING SAUDI ARABIA’S NAME AND DESIGNATIONS OF CITIES, REGIONS, AND PUBLIC PLACES
First: Use of the name “Saudi Arabia” and associated names in trade names is permitted under the regulations of the trade names system, subject to the following:
-The trade name should not mimic the name of any government agency, project, or similar entity.
-The name of Saudi Arabia, a city, region, or public place should not be the essential or primary component of the trade name.
-The trade name should not closely resemble a globally renowned trademark or one registered or famous in the Kingdom, unless owned by the applicant.
-The trade name owner commits to refraining from actions that may defame or disparage the name of the Kingdom, cities, regions, or public places.
Second: These guidelines do not apply to companies adopting the name of Saudi Arabia or designations during expansion or merger.
Third: Registration of trade names containing the names of Makkah and Medina cities is exempt, per noble supreme ordinance No. 9311 of 08/02/1444 AH.
Fourth: The relevant department reviews trade name registration applications, scrutinizing those including the name “Saudi Arabia” or names of cities, regions, or public places for compliance with these regulations, either accepting or rejecting accordingly.
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