Our Intellectual Property lawyers at Al Tamimi & Company discuss Saudi Arabia removed from the Watch List and provide updates on the latest trends
Abdulelah Aldossari Associate, Intellectual Property
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in its 2022 Special 301 Report on Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement has removed Saudi Arabia from the Priority Watch List. This list includes the countries that are deemed to be weak in enforcing the Intellectual Property laws.
Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has removed Saudi Arabia from the Priority Watch List after great efforts for improving the practices and the protection of the Intellectual Property rights. In addition, SAIP also has made a great line of partnership after signing agreements with the US, such as the Memorandum of Understanding that SAIP has signed with the US Patent and Trademark Office on December 10, 2021 to expand the scope of work between the two offices. In addition to the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Agreement that was signed on September 27, 2018 for improving the patent examination and speeding up the procedures of patent registration between the two countries.
Through its powers, SAIP has been developing and improving intellectual property enforcement to ensure the appropriate protection for those who seek protection to their business and trademarks therefore, this will create an appropriate environment for the investors and the owners of any intellectual works.
SAIP has also done its best to appoint a specialized court that has trained judges for IP matters to handle the IP cases.
Furthermore, SAIP has also formed the National Committee for the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights that is specialized in enforcing the IP rights, delivering and raising awareness to other governmental institutions, conducting training, and coordinating the enforcement works across multiple governmental authorities. The Committee is headed by the Chairman Abdulaziz Al Suwailem and in presence of members of the Customs, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Media, the Public Prosecutor, Public Security, FDA, General Authority of Communication, and the Council of Saudi Chamber.
In conclusion, the US Office has removed Saudi Arabia from the Watch List after great efforts by SAIP in order to ensure the appropriate protection for all IP matters.
For further information, please contact Abdulelah Aldossari.
Published in August 2022
