The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has announced the granting of its 20,000th patent, marking a major achievement in the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen its intellectual property framework. This milestone highlights the country’s continued progress in cultivating a robust innovation ecosystem and increasing awareness of patent protection.

Saudi Arabia’s patent system was formally established in 1989, with the first patent issued in 1995. Since then, the system has grown steadily, reaching its 10,000th patent in 2022. The number has since doubled in less than three years, a reflection of enhanced regulatory procedures, more efficient examination mechanisms, and broader national support for innovation.

Domestic innovation has also seen significant growth. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 345 patents were granted to Saudi nationals, a 16 percent increase over the same period in 2024. This upward trend signals a growing commitment to securing and commercializing intellectual assets within the Kingdom.

The issuance of the 20,000th patent underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambitions to become a regional leader in research, technology, and development. It is a testament to the country’s focus on protecting intellectual property as a cornerstone of its broader economic transformation.

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