The Royal Decree No. M/27 dated 29/5/1425 A.H. (Saudi Law of Patents, Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties and Industrial Models) came into effect on September 06, 2005.

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) has the authority to grant plant varieties in the country.

Once an application for the grant of a plant variety is filed with the SAIP Office, it will be examined with respect to the compliance of the applicant with the formalities. If executed satisfactorily, the application receives a filing number and the filing date is secured.

New plant varieties are registrable if they are novel, distinct, consistent, and stable, and proceedings have been taken to designate a nomenclature for it. 

The plant variety shall be deemed novel if, at the date of filing the application or the date of the claimed priority, propagating or harvested materials of the variety have not been sold or otherwise made available to others by the breeder or with his consent, to exploit the variety in accordance with the following: 

1- In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for more than one year;  
2- In other countries for more than four years, or in the case of trees, for more than six years.

Plant variety protection rights may be only granted for the following: Wheat; Barley; Clover; Dates; Watermelons; Grapes; Potatoes; Cucumbers; Onions; Apricots; Courgettes; Pumpkins; Tomatoes; Corns; Peaches; Roses; Olive Trees; Apples; Mangoes; Oranges; Lemons; Melons; Beets; Okras; Peppers; Beans; Carrot; Eggplants; Cauliflower; Beans; Garlics.

The duration of the plant variety is 25 years for trees and vines and 20 years for other crops, from the filing date.

The annuity is due at the beginning of each calendar year starting from the year subsequent to the application filing date, and payable within the first three months of each year (January through March) regardless of the filing or priority date. A grace period for late payment with a fine is allowed within three months.