Saudi Arabia has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its intellectual property regime by approving a new Geographical Indications Protection Law. The law enhances protection for products whose quality, reputation, or characteristics are intrinsically linked to their geographical origin, reinforcing authenticity, consumer trust, and regional economic value.
Approved by the Council of Ministers on 11 November 2025, the law will enter into force 180 days after its publication in the Official Gazette. During this transitional period, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property is expected to issue executive regulations governing registration procedures, enforcement mechanisms, and practical implementation. The new framework positions geographical indications as a strategic tool within Saudi Arabia’s broader economic and cultural policy objectives.
Understanding Geographical Indications
Geographical indications are a form of intellectual property that protects the names of products whose distinctive qualities are essentially attributable to a specific place of origin. Unlike trademarks, which identify the commercial source of goods, geographical indications protect the collective regional value of goods. They reflect a link between product characteristics and local environment, know-how, or tradition. Geographical indications are commonly associated with agricultural products, food and beverages, handicrafts, and culturally significant goods. Their protection preserves not only commercial reputation but also heritage and consumer confidence.
Key Features of the Saudi Geographical Indications Regime
The new law introduces a structured and enforceable protection system administered by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. Central to the regime is a formal registration process, which establishes legal recognition and defines the scope of protection. Registered geographical indications will benefit from protection for a period of ten years, renewable in accordance with the law and its implementing regulations. Only authorised producers who comply with the applicable geographical and product specifications will be entitled to use a registered indication.
The law prohibits unauthorised use, imitation, or any misleading practice that falsely suggests a connection between a product and a protected geographical area. This includes the use of similar names, descriptions, or presentations that could mislead consumers as to the true origin of the goods. Importantly, the law introduces both criminal and financial penalties for violations. This marks a clear shift toward effective enforcement and provides producers with meaningful tools to protect the reputation and economic value of their products.
Protecting Authenticity and Preventing Consumer Deception
At its core, the Geographical Indications Protection Law aims to preserve authenticity. By restricting use to compliant producers and prohibiting false claims of origin, the law strengthens consumer trust and safeguards the integrity of regional products. This protection is particularly significant in markets where reputation and origin directly influence purchasing decisions. For producers, it offers a mechanism to prevent dilution of value caused by imitation or misuse. For consumers, it provides assurance that products bearing a geographical indication genuinely originate from the stated region and meet defined quality standards.
Alignment with Vision 2030 Objectives
The introduction of protection for geographical indications aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030. By supporting local production, encouraging value-added agriculture and craftsmanship, and enhancing export potential, the regime contributes to economic diversification and sustainable growth. Geographical indications can enhance international recognition of Saudi products, strengthening their competitiveness in global markets. As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a producer of distinctive, high-quality goods, GI protection becomes a valuable commercial and branding tool.
The new Geographical Indications Protection Law represents an important evolution in Saudi Arabia’s intellectual property landscape. As the executive regulations are issued, producers, cooperatives, and businesses should assess whether their products qualify for protection and how registration may support their commercial strategy. By protecting regional identity and product authenticity, Saudi Arabia is reinforcing both its domestic market framework and the global positioning of Saudi goods. For rights holders, early engagement with the new regime will be key to securing and maximising its benefits.