Saudi Arabia’s New Copyright Law Approved, Strengthens IP Protection

Saudi Arabia’s new Copyright Law, approved in January 2026, modernizes IP protection, strengthen enforcement, clarify neighbouring rights, and introduce structured AI-related exceptions in line with international standards.

As 2026 begins, the intellectual property landscape in Saudi Arabia continues to evolve at pace. In a significant legislative milestone, the Council of Ministers approved a new Copyright Law on January 27, 2026, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening IP protection and aligning its legal framework with international best practices, conventions, and agreements.

The reform represents part of a broader effort to modernise protection measures in response to rapid technological change and the realities of a global digital environment. It also reflects Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambition to build a diversified, innovation-driven economy under Vision 2030, where creative industries, advanced technologies, and digital entrepreneurship play an increasingly central role.

Contextual background: Saudi Arabia’s copyright reform and economic transformation

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Saudi Arabia’s decision to enact a new Copyright Law must be understood within the broader transformation of its intellectual property system. Over the past several years, the Kingdom has consolidated IP administration, strengthened enforcement institutions, and enhanced compliance with international standards.

Copyright reform is particularly significant as Saudi Arabia expands its creative economy, including:

• Film production;
• Music;
• Gaming;
• Publishing;
• Software development;
• Digital content platforms; and
• Emerging AI-driven services.

Legal certainty in copyright protection is essential to attract foreign investment, protect domestic creators, and foster cross-border collaboration.

The new law is therefore both a legal reform and an economic policy instrument. By updating the statutory framework, the Kingdom seeks to ensure that its copyright regime keeps pace with digital transformation and evolving business models.

Key changes announced so far under Saudi Arabia’s new Copyright Law

While the final statutory language remains forthcoming, several major changes have been publicly outlined.

1. Clearer regulation of neighbouring rights

One of the most notable updates is the clearer and more precise regulation of neighbouring (or related) rights. These rights protect stakeholders other than the original author, particularly:

• Performers;
• Producers of sound recordings; and
• Broadcasting organisations.

By providing more structured and detailed protection for these categories, the law strengthens the economic ecosystem surrounding creative works. This development is especially relevant as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in entertainment infrastructure, live events, media production, and streaming services.

Stronger neighbouring rights protection enhances revenue certainty for performers and production entities, supporting professionalisation and long-term sector growth.

2. Targeted exceptions for AI development

A central feature of the reform is the introduction of targeted exceptions designed to enable the development of artificial intelligence products and algorithms.

The global rise of generative AI has triggered complex legal debates over training data, reproduction rights, derivative works, and liability. The Saudi approach, as announced, appears to aim for calibrated flexibility: allowing defined uses that support innovation while preserving the legitimate interests of rights holders.

This structured treatment of AI-related uses signals a forward-looking legislative approach. Rather than ignoring technological disruption, the Kingdom is incorporating AI considerations directly into its copyright framework. For technology developers and research institutions, this may provide a clearer compliance pathway. For rights holders, it offers reassurance that exceptions are limited and balanced rather than open-ended.

3. Enhanced enforcement mechanisms

Effective enforcement remains central to any copyright regime. The new law introduces enhanced mechanisms and procedures for identifying and addressing violations. Although operational details are pending publication, the reform is expected to strengthen investigative powers and procedural clarity in infringement cases. In particular, the digital environment (including online distribution, streaming, and unauthorised reproduction) is a key enforcement focus.

Improved enforcement tools are critical to maintaining market confidence. Without credible deterrence, even well-drafted copyright laws risk losing practical impact.

4. Stricter penalties with balanced exceptions

The reform also introduces stricter penalties to reinforce deterrence against infringement. At the same time, it maintains calibrated exceptions that balance authors’ rights with public interest considerations.

This dual structure reflects a principled approach: strong consequences for deliberate or commercial-scale violations, combined with limited statutory exceptions for legitimate uses such as research, education, or technological development.

The emphasis on balance is important. Copyright systems that are overly restrictive risk stifling innovation and access to knowledge. Conversely, weak enforcement undermines creative investment. The announced framework seeks to navigate this tension.

Impact on the IP & TICH landscape in Saudi Arabia

The new law represents a significant development for the Intellectual Property & Technology, Innovation, and Creative Industries (IP & TICH) landscape in Saudi Arabia.

For content creators, the reform promises clearer standards and stronger rights recognition. This may enhance confidence when licensing works or entering into production agreements.

For technology companies and AI developers, the structured treatment of AI-related uses reduces uncertainty in a rapidly evolving field. Companies will nevertheless need to evaluate whether their activities fall within permitted exceptions or require express licensing.

For investors and commercial enterprises, stronger enforcement tools and clearer statutory definitions enhance the overall reliability of the legal framework. This is particularly relevant for cross-border transactions and regional headquarters operations within the Kingdom.

By aligning more closely with international standards, Saudi Arabia reinforces its position as a credible jurisdiction for IP-intensive sectors.

See also: Saudi Arabia’s New Law for Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis is In Effect—A Strategic Opening for Global Investors

What this means for businesses

The new Copyright Law will affect all participants in the Saudi creative and technology ecosystem, including:

• Authors and artists;
• Media production companies;
• Broadcasters and streaming platforms;
• Software developers and AI firms;
• Publishers and content distributors; and
• Multinational enterprises commercialising digital assets.

In anticipation of the law’s full publication, stakeholders should consider:

• Reviewing existing copyright ownership and licensing structures
• Assessing contractual clauses related to assignment and exploitation rights
• Evaluating AI training practices and dataset sourcing
• Strengthening internal compliance and content monitoring procedures

Proactive review at this stage may reduce transitional risk once implementing regulations clarify procedural requirements.

Outlook: Awaiting the official text

Until the official text is published, certain operational details, which include transitional arrangements, specific procedural rules, and precise definitions, remain subject to confirmation.

Once released, the statutory language and implementing regulations will provide further clarity on compliance obligations, enforcement practices, and administrative procedures.

Nonetheless, the direction of reform is clear. Saudi Arabia intends to strengthen copyright protection in line with international norms, enhance the value of intangible assets, and support the growth of digital and creative industries. The new law reflects a commitment to developing protection mechanisms that keep pace with rapid digital transformation while maintaining a principled balance among stakeholders.

Conclusion

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Saudi Arabia’s approval of its new Copyright Law marks an important milestone in the modernisation of its intellectual property regime. By clarifying neighbouring rights, introducing structured AI-related exceptions, strengthening enforcement, and reinforcing deterrence, the Kingdom positions itself to better support creators, innovators, and investors in the digital era.

While further detail awaits publication of the official text, the reform underscores a broader strategic objective: building a robust, internationally aligned IP framework capable of sustaining long-term economic diversification and technological advancement.

Stakeholders operating in Saudi Arabia would be well advised to monitor developments closely and begin preparing for the implementation phase. Early engagement and compliance planning will be key to navigating the transition smoothly once the final legislative text becomes available.

Dezan Shira & Associates supports businesses across Asia and the Gulf in navigating evolving regulatory frameworks. Our intellectual property and technology advisory teams are closely monitoring developments related to the new Saudi Copyright Law. Get in touch with our advisors here. 

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