Saudi Arabia has recently announced the launch of two initiatives – a National Intellectual Property Rights Exchange Platform and an Intellectual Property Prosecution initiative.

The Saudi Intellectual Property Authority (SAIP), along with several ministries and government bodies, is working on a National IP Rights Exchange Platform, intended to provide a safe digital environment for trading IP assets (generally buying, selling and transferring of IP rights), in order to promote investment in IP rights.. The platform will provide a set of features including an online National Register of IP Service Providers and licensed practitioners.

The Public Prosecution Council has approved the establishment of the Intellectual Property Prosecution Department, which will specialize in investigating and initiating criminal proceedings in cases related to the violation of IP rights, including trademark, copyright, patent, industrial design and plant variety infringement cases. The IP Prosecution Department will consist of a team of qualified prosecutors trained in IP infringement cases that are considered a criminal offence. . The initiative aims to improve judicial protection and increase the efficiency of IP litigation. New regulations are expected to be issued soon detailing the relevant services and procedures.

Prepared by: Mohammad Al Faouri

For more information, please contact Mohammad Al Faouri in our Saudi Arabia office.

Sources: SAIP website, Saudi Public Prosecution portal, Okaz Newspaper website, Saudi Press Agency website