Copyright protection in Saudi Arabia is now governed by new rules: the Copyright Law was issued by Royal Decree No. (M/169) dated 14/08/1447 AH and came into effect in August 2026, replacing the previous law. At Alfkr Intellectual Property, we help authors, publishers, media organizations, content creators, technology projects and businesses that use works in their operations to register their works, document their ownership, draft their contracts and follow up on any infringement.
Whether your work is a book, software or an app, photographs, an artistic or architectural work, or content you publish on digital platforms, we build a protection plan with you that suits the nature of the work and the way you exploit it. We work in both Arabic and English and can assist foreign companies and rights holders with protecting their works in Saudi Arabia.
Why You Need Copyright Protection in Saudi Arabia
A work is protected as soon as it is created, without any registration requirement, but proving ownership and the date of priority in a dispute is what makes the difference. Article 42 of the Law makes registration of a work with SAIP a rebuttable presumption of ownership, shifting the burden of proof to anyone who disputes your rights. In addition, the new Law introduced provisions that directly affect businesses:
- Commissioned works: The economic rights in a logo or video you commission from a freelancer belong to the author unless otherwise agreed (Article 18).
- Employee works: What an employee creates in the course of employment and that relates to the employer’s business belongs to the employer, and what does not relate to the employer’s business belongs to the employee.
- Tougher penalties: Imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to SAR 1 million, or both (Article 47).
- Software licences are binding: Users of software, applications and databases must comply with the licence that accompanies them (Article 12).
What We Offer
- Supporting rights holders in registering their works with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) and securing legal protection for them.
- Building integrated protection strategies for authors, media organizations, publishers and technology projects.
- Drafting licences and partial or full assignments of copyright, as well as publishing, production and distribution agreements.
- Designing licensing models that allow works to be exploited without giving up ownership.
- Checking for plagiarism and content theft using digital and technical analysis tools, and preparing technical and legal reports.
- Regularly monitoring digital infringements on the internet and social media platforms, and providing documented reports.
- Reviewing media and advertising content before publication or broadcast to ensure it does not infringe protected works.
- Representation in copyright infringement actions before the competent authorities.
- Developing internal copyright management policies for businesses, universities and research centers, and managing rights portfolios and their licences.
Have a work you want to document or a contract you want reviewed? Contact us and get a free initial consultation to set your protection priorities.
How We Work With You
- Initial consultation: We identify the type of work and who owns its rights: an individual author, a business to which the rights have passed, or joint authors.
- Reviewing the chain of title: If the application is in a business’s name, we review the employment, commissioning or assignment contracts through which the rights passed to it.
- Preparing the file: Proof of identity and capacity, a copy of the work in accordance with the specified requirements, and a declaration of the accuracy of the information and of ownership of the right.
- Filing the application: The application is filed through the Copyright Portal by logging in via the National Single Sign-On (Nafath), and the examination fee is paid once its invoice is issued.
- Examination: The competent department examines the application, and we work with you to complete any additional requirements within the set period.
- Registration and certificate: If the application meets the requirements, the registration fee invoice is issued; once it is paid, the work is registered and a work registration certificate is issued.
- After registration: We help you with contracts, licences and monitoring infringement, and with taking the appropriate action when it occurs.
Official Fees and Timelines
Work registration fees as shown on SAIP’s service pages at the time this page was prepared (examination fee / registration fee, in SAR):
| Type of Work | Individuals | Businesses | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written works, photographs, artistic and applied art works, architectural works, drawings and three-dimensional topographical works | 50 / 100 | 100 / 200 | 36 / Free |
| Computer software and applications | 100 / 200 | 200 / 400 | 75 / Free |
| Item | Period |
|---|---|
| Stated processing time for registration | 7 working days |
| Payment of the examination fee | Within 30 days of filing the application, failing which it is deemed never to have been filed |
| SAIP’s decision | Within 60 days of payment of the examination fee or completion of additional requirements |
| Submitting requested documents | Within 90 days of notification |
| Term of protection (general rule) | The life of the author plus 50 years after death |
| Works of applied art | 25 years from first publication |
- Government fees are subject to change, so please check SAIP’s service page before filing.
- Our professional fees are separate from government fees, and we provide them in a detailed quotation on request, depending on the type of work and the scope of service.
Why Alfkr Intellectual Property?
- A service that goes beyond registration: We combine documenting the work, drafting contracts and licences, digital monitoring, and representation in infringement actions.
- An understanding of digital content: We use digital and technical analysis tools to check for and document plagiarism and content theft.
- Clarity at every step: Detailed reports and direct, ongoing communication at every stage.
- Individual attention: We treat every client as a partner and build protection around the way you actually exploit your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a work have to be registered to be protected?
No. A work is protected without any formality, and registration with SAIP is optional. However, Article 42 of the Copyright Law makes registration a rebuttable presumption of ownership, meaning the burden of proof shifts to anyone who disputes your rights, which is what makes registration useful in any dispute.
What are the fees for registering a work with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property?
For written works, photographs, artistic works and the like: SAR 50 for examination and SAR 100 for registration for individuals, and SAR 100 and SAR 200 for businesses. For software and applications: SAR 100 and SAR 200 for individuals, and SAR 200 and SAR 400 for businesses. Registration is free for students after the examination fee. Fees are subject to change, and our professional fees are separate from them.
Who owns the rights in a logo or video I commissioned from a freelance designer?
Under Article 18 of the new Law, the economic rights in a work created on behalf of another person belong to the author unless otherwise agreed. Paying the designer or photographer does not automatically transfer the economic rights; the solution is an express assignment clause in the contract.
What is the penalty for copyright infringement under the new Law?
Under Article 47, the penalty can reach imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to SAR 1 million, or both, and the maximum is doubled for repeat offences. Investigation and prosecution are handled by the Public Prosecution, the competent court imposes the penalty, and SAIP may accept a settlement before referral, subject to conditions.
How long does copyright protection last in Saudi Arabia?
The general rule is the life of the author plus 50 years after death. A work of a legal entity, an anonymous work or a work published under a pseudonym is protected for 50 years from first publication, an audiovisual work for 50 years from first showing or from completion, and works of applied art for 25 years from first publication. The term runs from the beginning of the year following the relevant event.
My content was stolen online. What should I do?
First, document the infringement with links, dates and screenshots, then submit a complete notice to the platform: the implementing regulations require the service provider to remove infringing content within 48 working hours of becoming aware of it or receiving a complete notice. SAIP enforces against violations, and the court may, on an urgent application, order infringing copies to be stopped and seized. We help you with documentation, technical and legal reports, and choosing the right course of action.
Protect Your Creativity Before You Need to Prove It
Documenting your work and getting your contracts right today is far easier than proving your rights after a dispute arises. Contact us so we can review your work and your contracts and propose the right protection steps.
Phone and WhatsApp: +966504644436 | Email: info@alfkr.com | Working hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Related Services
- Trademark Registration in Saudi Arabia
- International Trademark Registration (Madrid)
- Patent Registration in Saudi Arabia
- Industrial Design Registration
- IP Enforcement and Anti-Counterfeiting
Disclaimer: The content of this page is general information intended to introduce the service, and is not legal advice on any specific case. The fees and timelines mentioned are taken from official sources at the time of preparation and may change, so please consult the competent authority before taking any action.