The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) recently advocated for the inclusion of Arabic language in WIPO’s Madrid and Hague systems. The recommendation was made by the SAIP’s CEO, Abdulaziz Al Suwailem at a WIPO meeting held in Geneva on 7 July 2023.
Currently, the Madrid and Hague systems adopt English, French and Spanish as their official languages. Al Suwailem stressed the importance of adding Arabic, the fifth most spoken language in the world, to enhance visibility and accessibility in Arabic-speaking countries and to ease filing and prosecution for Arabic-speaking applicants.
Saudi Arabia has been actively updating its IP legislation and supporting IP development in the country. The SAIP’s advocating for Arabic in WIPO’s adopted languages demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering innovation and creativity across the Arab world.