Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M27/1425 Related to the Law of Patents, Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties and Industrial Designs (Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 159/1425 Approving the Law of Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties and Industrial Models) came into force on 6 September 2004. Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M27/1425 (Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 159/1425) has recently been amended by Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 197/1445, which came into effect on 3 October 2023.

The Saudi government has introduced several methods to modernise the patent examination process and reduce examination pendency, including registration under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or Hague Convention and Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot Program with certain countries.

This Practice Note will provide an overview of the international conventions adhered to and cooperation with certain countries, to facilitate patent applications through international channels and provide a brief on the domestic patent application process and the fast-track examination program to expedite the patent registration.

PCT: Patent Cooperation Treaty.

PPH: Patent Prosecution Highway.

WIPO: World Intellectual Property Organisation.

WTO: World Trade Organisation.