One of the most notable initiatives in Saudi fashion this year was the launch of a comprehensive guide to protecting fashion designs, issued by the Fashion Commission in collaboration with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. A step that reflects growing awareness of the massive losses caused by counterfeiting, and its double impact on both the designer and the national creative economy. Copying reduces a designer’s hard work to a poor imitation, weakens their market presence, damages their reputation and earnings, shakes client trust, and limits the ability of the local fashion industry to compete. So, is your creativity safe? And how do you ensure your ideas and innovations remain beyond the reach of copies that erase your unique signature?
When the Hermès “Birkin” bag or the Saudi “Lomar” thobe is mentioned, their image instantly comes to mind with the feel of fine leather, intricate embroidery, and advanced fabrics. The same goes for Versace’s iconic green dress worn by Jennifer Lopez, Christian Louboutin’s red-soled heels, or Amouage’s perfume bottle shaped like the traditional Omani dagger, the khanjar. These examples reveal how design can evolve from a simple idea into a legally protected icon that transcends generations while preserving its value and allure.
But owning a distinctive design does not automatically mean it is legally yours. In the fashion world, every creation has a form of protection suited to its nature, and without choosing the right tool your work may be left open to copying without consequence. Industrial designs and models, for example, grant you the right to monopolize the external appearance of your product for up to 15 years in Saudi Arabia, whether it is a garment cut, an exclusive pattern, or the unique shape of a perfume bottle. A trademark, on the other hand, is the shield that protects your name and visual identity, and it remains valid as long as you continue to renew and use it. If your creation is technical or introduces a new method of manufacturing, a patent can secure protection for up to 20 years. Meanwhile, copyright safeguards original artistic works such as illustrations, patterns, or distinctive embroidery for the lifetime of the creator and fifty years after their passing.
In the Saudi market, we already have clear examples that highlight the importance of protection. Designer Kawthar AlHuraish faced widespread imitation of one of her abaya designs, which was copied by Chinese websites and traders and sold at poor quality and cheap prices. Kawthar turned to the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property to register the design and began taking legal action against unlicensed shops and non-compliant suppliers. The same happened to Waad Aloqaili and Hiba AlQurashi, whose designs spread through international retail platforms and online marketplaces without permission, showing that the threat is no longer limited to the local scene but extends to global markets. These cases serve as a direct reminder that any design left unprotected is an open opportunity for counterfeiters, and that consumer awareness in supporting authenticity and innovation is just as important as the designer’s awareness of protecting their rights.
Protecting a design begins with knowing the correct legal pathway. In Saudi Arabia, a designer can register an industrial design through the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, where registration grants protection for up to 15 years from the filing date.
The basic steps include:
Preparing a clear design file that includes drawings or images highlighting its distinctive form
Filling out the registration application through the Authority’s online platform and attaching the required documents
Paying the prescribed fees, which vary depending on the type of protection requested
Waiting for examination and approval, during which the Authority verifies that the design is new and has not been previously registered
Registration does not only protect the appearance of the design, but also grants you a legal right that prevents others from using, producing, or selling it without your permission. In the event of infringement, you then have a strong legal basis to file a lawsuit and claim compensation for the losses caused by counterfeiting.
Why is registration important for designers?
Registration is a strategic step that strengthens your position in the market. It acts as a shield that protects your design from imitation, raises the value of your brand, gives you a competitive edge, and grants you the right to claim compensation in the event of any infringement. It provides you with legal power that supports you both locally and globally.
In a fast-moving environment where competition is constantly intensifying, such as fashion, legal protection is no longer a secondary option. Start with an informed step: explore the Fashion Design Protection Guide, which lays out clear pathways for registering your ideas and turning them into legal assets that belong to you alone. Download it, read it, and begin building your legal fortress before you put the first stitch into your next design.
