Here are details of Trade Names Law

Umm Al-Qura newspaper published on Oct. 4 the Trade Names Law, which was approved by the Cabinet last month. The law will be effective 180 days from its publication in the official newspaper, replacing the law issued on Nov. 20, 1999.

The law aims to enhance confidence in the commercial environment through regulating the procedures for reserving and registering the trade names in the commercial registry. It also seeks to increase the value of such brands as well as ensure their protection and associated rights.

Under Article 4, a trade name may be derived from the trader's personal name, a distinctive name, or a combination of both. It may consist of Arabic or transliterated words, Arabic letters or numbers.

The trade name may also consist of words, letters, or numbers in a non-Arabic language.

Under the law, anyone violating the reservation or registration of trade names will be fined up to SAR 50,000.

The Minister of Commerce will issue the regulations within 180 days from the date of the law publication in the official newspaper, and they will come into effect thereafter.