The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) plays an important role in building respect for intellectual property, as well as the creation and utilization of Intellectual Property in the Kingdom. SAIP is seeking to raise awareness of all fields of IP, including geographic indications, as part of efforts to organize, support, sponsor, protect and promote intellectual property in Saudi Arabia in accordance with global best practices.
Geographical indications are defined as a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Geographical indications are typically used for agricultural, food, handicrafts and industrial products.
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property has cooperated with the competent national authorities to make a list of these products that could be registered as a geographical indication.
SAIP seeks to provide full protection for the national geographical indications, and prevent the exploitation of unauthorized persons, of the popularity of local products that the regions of the Kingdom are famous for. It is also seeking to prevent the imitation of these products or the misleading of consumers about the original source of these goods.
SAIP stressed that the geographical indication boosts the competitiveness and the marketing of these products in the markets.
SAIP has invited all interested parties to express their opinion on the “Draft law for the protection of geographical indications” and to provide written comments or consultations in this regard before July 23.
