‎4 regulations to use of names of Saudi Arabia, regions, and ‎cities in trades… excluding Mecca and Medina

Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi, Minister of Commerce, issued regulations for the use of the name Saudi Arabia and the names of cities, regions and public places in the commercial name, provided that they come into effect from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

The regulations are as follows:

First: It is permissible to use the name (Saudi Arabia) and the names of cities and public areas in the commercial name in accordance with the trade names system and its executive regulations and in accordance with the following rules:

1- The trade name must not be identical or similar to the name of any government agency or project or the like.

2- The name of Saudi Arabia, the name of the city, region, or public place should not be the essential element or main component of the trade name.

3- The trade name must not resemble a world-famous trademark, or resemble a registered or famous trademark in the Kingdom, unless the trademark is owned by the applicant.

4- The owner of the trade name must pledge not to distort or harm the reputation of the Kingdom, cities, regions, or public places.

Second: Companies that bear the name of Saudi Arabia or the names of cities, regions, or public places during expansion or merger are excluded from these controls.

Third: Excluded from these rules is the registration of a trade name that includes the names of the cities of Mecca and Medina for which the controls related to them were issued in accordance with the Noble Supreme Order No. (9311) dated 2/8/1444 AH.

Fourth: The concerned department receives applications for registering trade names bearing the name (Saudi Arabia) or the names of cities, regions, or public places, and studies them to consider accepting or rejecting them in accordance with these controls.