Saudi Arabia IP authority seizes 3.6 million infringing files

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) revealed that almost 34,000 infringing websites were blocked and taken down in 2024, and 3.6 million infringing files were seized. This was accomplished through 20,000 inspection trips in 51 locations around Saudi Arabia in order to uphold creative rights, encourage compliance and defend rights. 

According to the authority’s 2024 annual report, the takedown of illegal websites happened in just 50 minutes, proving its professionalism and technological preparedness in the fight against infringement.

In addition to 8,000 patent applications, 2,500 copyright applications – a growth of over 63 percent – and 2,100 design applications, the SAIP received 52,400 trademark applications over the same period, a 16 percent increase from the year before. Some applications were completed in a single day thanks to the accelerated processing methods, positioning Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s quickest IP offices. 

Over 25,000 trainees benefitted from the Intellectual Property Academy’s training and awareness initiatives. Public awareness of intellectual property rose to 65.8 percent, up 16.9 percent from the previous year. Through its IP clinics, the authority also offered consulting and guiding services to 6,000 beneficiaries.

At the global level, Saudi Arabia has established itself as an intellectual property hub. During the Diplomatic Conference on the Design Law Treaty, which took place in Riyadh from November 11 to 22, 2024, the SAIP adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty and started operating as an International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. In collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization, an international trust fund was created. The authority’s initiatives have helped around 2,000 participants from 75 jurisdictions. 

Reflecting its focus on leadership and ongoing growth, the SAIP attained a 94 percent score on the Procedures Documentation Index, along with a 79 percent beneficiary satisfaction rate and 83 percent staff engagement.