Saudi Arabia Approves Four Dedicated Intellectual Property Laws

Saudi Arabia has taken a step toward revising its intellectual property legislation following the Council of Ministers’ approval of four laws on October 20, 2026. The decision introduces a legislative approach under which patents and utility models, new plant varieties, integrated circuit layout designs, and designs will each be governed by a distinct legal instrument.

Moving Beyond a Unified Legislative Framework

Saudi Arabia currently regulates these categories of intellectual property under the Law of Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties, and Industrial Designs, originally promulgated through Royal Decree No. M/27 in 2004 and later amended by Royal Decree No. M/45 in 2023.

The newly approved legislation establishes a framework for addressing each category independently. This separation into the four laws represents a change in the structure of the Kingdom’s IP legislation, although its practical consequences will become clearer once the individual laws are made publicly available.

Developments in Design Protection

The legislation concerning designs is particularly noteworthy in light of Saudi Arabia’s participation in the Riyadh Design Law Treaty.

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (“SAIP”) has indicated that the approved Designs Law is consistent with the treaty, which Saudi Arabia has ratified. The alignment seeks to facilitate design protection by streamlining administrative procedures and bringing procedural requirements into closer conformity with internationally recognized practices.

Implications for Rights Holders

The Cabinet’s decision confirms the approval of the four laws but does not, in itself, establish when their provisions will become applicable.

The publication of the legislative texts will be necessary to determine the scope of any substantive amendments, the applicable commencement dates, and the arrangements governing the transition from the existing legal framework.

Applicants and rights holders with interests in Saudi Arabia should therefore monitor subsequent official announcements to assess whether the new legislation will affect filing requirements, registration procedures, or the continued protection of existing intellectual property rights.