Transfer of ownership of a trademark

The Trademark Ownership Transfer Service is an official procedure supervised by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), allowing the current owner to transfer all rights associated with the trademark to another individual or company through a documented contract of sale, gift, or assignment, or automatically through inheritance, in accordance with Saudi regulations and ensuring the protection of commercial rights.

Steps for Transferring Trademark Ownership

Execution of a transfer agreement: The transaction must be written (sale/ gift/assignment/will), clearly detailing the parties and basic trademark data, avoiding any intent to mislead the public.

Submit an electronic application via SAIP platform by:

Logging into the platform and selecting 'Trademark Ownership Transfer.'
Filling the ownership transfer form, attaching the legal transfer deed, the commercial registration of the new owner, the trademark certificate, and the founding contract if applicable.
If submitted through an agent, attach a valid power of attorney or electronic authorization.

Payment of transfer fees: SAR 1,000 for ownership transfer and SAR 500 for publication.

Official publication of the transfer: a publication invoice is issued and the transfer announcement is published. The trademark is registered under the new owner's name once the publication is complete.

Updating trademark data: rights of disposition and data modification for the trademark move to the new owner, provided no fundamental changes alter the trademark's essence.

Important Conditions & Frequently Asked Questions on Ownership Transfer

The trademark must be owned by the transferor and the protection period must be valid. Ownership is not transferred if the trademark has expired unless first renewed.
The transfer has legal effect only after being recorded in the Authority’s register and the transfer announcement is published according to the trademark law’s executive regulations.
The transfer deed must specify the trademark number, class, commercial data of both parties, official approval by both parties, and proof of payment or release of obligations.

Importance of the Service

Allows free disposition of intangible assets by companies and individuals and legal transfer of trademark rights.
Protects both parties from future claims or disputes and guarantees rights to use the trademark under Saudi law.
Enhances the trademark’s value and flexibility in investment or commercial expansion.

Challenges and Service Difficulties

Full submission of required legal documents and contracts is necessary to avoid delays or rejections.
Official publication is mandatory to ensure completion of legal procedures and actual ownership transfer.
Administrative fees may be relatively high, especially when multiple trademark classes or complex contracts are involved.