1. Establishment of the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO)

Please be advised that the Government of Maldives has made a significant move by establishing the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO) under the Ministry of Economic Development, consolidating the administration, registration, and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights in the country. This initiative is formalized under the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act (Act No. 13/2025), which was ratified on 21 August 2025, and set to take effect on 1 January 2026. However, the trademark registration system will only become operational once the Registrar issues the detailed procedures, forms, and official fee schedules. In the meantime, Cautionary Notices remain the sole method for informing the public of trademark rights.

2. Ratification of the New Trademark Act

Meanwhile, the President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, ratified the Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025), which was published on 11 November 2025 in the Government Gazette. The Act introduces a unified legal framework for registering, protecting, and enforcing trademarks in the Maldives, replacing the previous system and establishing the nation’s first comprehensive, registration-based trademark protection system. The Act will come into force twelve (12) months after publication, making 11 November 2026 as the effectivity date. Its implementation will be carried out by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT), the Registrar of Intellectual Property at MIPO, and the Maldives Customs Service. All subordinate regulations required under the Act must be issued within six (6) months of the Act coming into force, i.e., 11 May 2027.

3. Key Actions for Trademark Owners

Owners of trademarks are advised to review their trademark portfolios and prepare for the transition to the new system. Existing proprietors who currently rely on cautionary notices must submit formal registration applications within twelve (12) months of the Act’s effective date, i.e., 11 November 2027, to maintain continuity of protection.