In September 2024, the Saudi government approved new regulations to simplify commercial registration and the process of obtaining trade names. These laws, set to take effect in the coming weeks, aim to enhance business efficiency and improve the overall commercial environment. The reforms introduce a unified national registration system, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks and expediting business launches.

The new Trade Name Law, announced by the Ministry of Commerce on September 17, 2024, enhances legal protection of intellectual property, simplifying the reservation, transfer, and protection of trade names. The law allows trade names to include Arabic, non-Arabic, or Arabized words, as well as letters or numbers.

However, there are specific restrictions to consider:​

• Prohibited Content: Trade names must not contain religious, military, or political references, nor should they resemble the names of local, regional, or international organizations.
• Public Order and Morality: Names that violate public order, morals, or could mislead consumers are prohibited.
• Similarity to Existing Trademarks: Trade names should not closely resemble well-known global trademarks unless the applicant owns the rights to the name.

Watch this space for updates and get in touch with us if you have any questions.