Saudi Arabia Climbs in Global IP Index, Earning Global Recognition for Innovation Reforms

Kingdom ranks among fastest-improving economies as legal and digital reforms accelerate under Vision 2030

A Vision 2030 Milestone in Innovation

Riyadh, April 2025  Saudi Arabia has made remarkable progress in the 2025 Global Intellectual Property Index, published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Kingdom now ranks 40th out of 55 economies, following a 17.5% year-over-year increase in its IP score. Since 2019, Saudi Arabia has seen a cumulative improvement of more than 40%, reflecting its national commitment to building a knowledge-based economy.

This advancement is a direct outcome of regulatory reforms led by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) and part of the broader Vision 2030 agenda to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and support innovation.

Key Drivers Behind the Kingdom’s IP Progress

Saudi Arabia's rise in global IP rankings is anchored in significant legal, institutional, and technological transformations.

Legal Framework Enhancements

• Extension of Design Protection: The term of protection for industrial designs was extended from 10 to 15 years.
• Specialized Prosecution Office: A dedicated IP-focused prosecution office was established to handle disputes efficiently and ensure enforcement consistency.

Technology-Driven Enforcement

• Digital Enforcement Tools: SAIP rolled out advanced digital platforms to monitor and respond to copyright and trademark infringements more effectively.
• Streamlined Case Handling: Automation in case processing has reduced delays and improved transparency.

Public and International Engagement

• IP Respect Officer Initiative: Over 150 officers were trained to embed IP knowledge across sectors and institutions.
• Global Treaty Participation: Saudi Arabia strengthened its position in the international IP system by joining key treaties and collaborating with global IP offices.

Performance Across Key Indicators

Saudi Arabia showed improvements in:

• Enforcement Efficiency: Enhanced institutional capability to act on violations.
• Copyright Protection: Stronger systems for identifying and acting against piracy.
• International Alignment: Broader compliance with international IP treaties and standards.

These developments reflect the Kingdom’s drive to become a regional hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and creative industries.

Opportunities for Further Growth

While progress is evident, continued improvements are needed in areas such as:

• Pharmaceutical IP Enforcement: Addressing concerns around patent term extensions and enforcement.
• Regulatory Data Protection (RDP): Ensuring consistent application of RDP frameworks across sectors.
• Online Copyright Policy: Strengthening policies against digital content piracy.

Regional Perspective: UAE Comparison

The United Arab Emirates ranked 26th globally in the same index, with a strong score of 60.66%, recognized for its mature legal frameworks, consistent enforcement, and leadership in digital transformation. Together, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are shaping the Gulf region into a global innovation corridor.

Building the Future Through IP

Saudi Arabia’s progress in the 2025 IP Index demonstrates its commitment to enabling a business environment where intellectual property is protected, ideas are valued, and innovation can thrive. These reforms support the larger economic diversification goals under Vision 2030 and position the Kingdom as a model for emerging markets looking to develop strong IP ecosystems.