Saudi Arabia accedes to the Madrid trademark treaty; contracting-party list updated (BGBl. III Nr. 115/2026)
Austria has published a scope-of-treaty notification confirming Saudi Arabia's accession to the Madrid Agreement on International Registration of Marks (Stockholm Act). Businesses using the Madrid System (administered by WIPO) can now designate Saudi Arabia in a single international trademark application.
What changed
Saudi Arabia has been added to the list of contracting parties in Austria's official version of the Madrid Agreement (BGBl. III Nr. 115/2026 – scope-of-Protocol notification). The United Kingdom also received an additional scope entry under the same instrument. Several articles in the treaty text were reordered editorially to match the correct numerical sequence; their content is unchanged.
Who is affected
Companies and individuals who use the Madrid System to seek trademark protection in multiple countries with a single international application. They can now include Saudi Arabia as a designated country.
What to look out for
If you plan to protect a trademark in Saudi Arabia, the Madrid System route is now available. Consult a trademark attorney for current designation fees and examination timelines specific to Saudi Arabia.