Article 2 of the Saudi Trademarks Law
المادة 2 من نظام العلامات التجارية · الباب الأول: تعاريف
The Article defines a trademark as any sign in a distinctive form used or intended to be used to distinguish an establishment's goods or services, and allows a sound or smell to be considered a trademark.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
العلامة التجارية: كل ما يأخذ شكلا مميزا من أسماء أو كلمات أو إمضاءات أو حروف أو رموز أو أرقام أو عناوين أو أختام أو رسوم أو صور أو نقوش أو تغليف أو عناصر تصويرية أو أشكال أو لون أو مجموعات ألوان أو مزيج من ذلك أو أية إشارة أو مجموعة إشارات إذا كانت تستخدم أو يراد استخدامها في تمييز سلع أو خدمات منشأة ما عن سلع أو خدمات المنشآت الأخرى أو للدلالة على تأدية خدمة من الخدمات، أو على إجراء المراقبة أو الفحص للسلع أو الخدمات.
ويمكن اعتبار العلامة الخاصة بالصوت أو الرائحة علامة تجارية.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 2 explained in plain English
This Article specifies the meaning of a trademark in the Law. It is a broad definition that covers anything taking a distinctive form, such as names, words, signatures, letters, numbers, symbols, titles, stamps, drawings, pictures, engravings, packaging, pictorial elements and shapes, as well as a color or combinations of colors, or any combination of these, or any sign or group of signs.
It is not enough for something to be distinctive in form; it must be used or intended to be used for one of the following purposes:
- To distinguish the goods or services of an establishment from the goods or services of other establishments.
- To indicate that a service has been performed.
- To indicate that the goods or services have been monitored or inspected.
The definition thus covers a sign already in use and a sign intended to be used in future for these purposes.
The Article adds that a mark relating to sound or smell may be considered a trademark, so marks are not limited to what can be seen by the eye.
This definition is read with Article 3, which lists what is not considered a trademark and may not be registered, such as a mark devoid of any distinctive character or one that offends public morals or misleads the public. If you want to verify whether your logo or trade name can be registered, you can consult a lawyer who specializes in commercial cases and trademarks.
Practical example
Sara opened a perfume shop in Jeddah. She designed a logo of two letters in gold inside a circle, and chose a short tune to play in her advertisements. The logo, with its letters and color, falls within the definition of a trademark because it distinguishes her products from other perfume shops, and the tune can also be considered a trademark under this Article.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 2 of the Saudi Trademarks Law
Can a color be a trademark?
Yes. The definition lists a "color or combinations of colors" among what can be a trademark, provided it takes a distinctive form and is used to distinguish an establishment's goods or services from others.
Can a sound or a smell be registered as a trademark?
The Article provides that a mark relating to sound or smell may be considered a trademark.
Must I actually use the mark for it to count as a trademark?
The definition is not limited to a mark already in use. It also covers a sign intended to be used to distinguish goods or services.
More articles on Definition of a Trademark
- Article 1Amended by M/49
The Article defines the key terms in the Trademarks Law (GCC): the Council states, the competent authority, the Minister, the Implementing Regulations, and the register.
في تطبيق أحكام هذا القانون (النظام) يكون لكل من المصطلحات التالية المعنى الموضح قرين كل منها ما لم يقض سياق النص خلاف ذلك: دول المجلس: دول مجلس التعاون لدول الخ
- Article 3
The Article lists fifteen cases in which a sign is not considered a trademark and may not be registered, such as a non-distinctive, misleading mark or one similar to an earlier or well-known mark.
لا تعد علامة تجارية أو جزءًا منها، ولا يجوز أن يسجل بهذا الوصف ما يأتي: 1 - العلامة الخالية من أية صفة مميزة، أو العلامات المكونة من بيانات ليست إلا التسمية الت
- Article 4
The Article bars registering a well-known mark for identical or similar goods or services except at its owner's request or with his express consent, and sets the criteria for fame and protection for non-similar goods.
1 - لا يجوز تسجيل العلامة التجارية المشهورة التي تجاوزت شهرتها حدود البلد الذي سجلت فيه إلى البلاد الأخرى عن سلع أو خدمات مطابقة أو مشابهة إلا إذا قدم طلب بذلك
The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.