Saudi Arabia begins new IP enforcement in wake of WTO TRIPS consultation

The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) announced that it had launched inspection campaigns across the country, blocking more than 70 intellectual property (IP) infringing websites and seizing 11,620 IP infringing items such as electronics and computer programs.

Saudi Arabia has been the subject of international criticism after complaints that it served as the base of regional pirate broadcaster beoutQ, including a request for consultation by Qatar to the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement, which concluded last summer that Saudia Arabia breached TRIPS by blocking Qatari broadcaster beIN Media from enforcing its IP and enabled pirate sports broadcasts.