National Intellectual Property Policy Approved in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved the National Intellectual Property Policy, establishing a framework for strengthening the Kingdom’s intellectual property system and increasing the economic value of intangible assets.

The policy covers inventions, trademarks, designs and creative works, with a focus on improving how intellectual property is generated, registered, protected, enforced and commercialised.

It also sets out measures intended to improve transparency and clarity across intellectual property policies and procedures, while supporting research and development, investment and industrial growth.

Education and awareness form another part of the framework. The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property said greater understanding of intellectual property rights across general, university, technical and vocational education is intended to encourage creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation from an earlier stage.

The policy also aims to strengthen links between research and commercial activity by supporting technology transfer and localisation, improving the value of university and research outputs, and helping turn academic knowledge into commercially viable products and services.

Private-sector companies, small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs are among the groups targeted by the framework, alongside efforts to develop more national expertise in intellectual property management and protection.