Trademarks in the Maldives

Competent Authority

Trademark protection in the Maldives is administered by the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO) and the Registrar of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, located in Male'. The official working languages are Dhivehi and English, and the system is transitioning to a formal national statutory framework.

International Agreements

The Maldives is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Following the enactment of the comprehensive Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025), the country is aligning its domestic infrastructure with international standards, transitioning away from historical common-law practices.

Who May Apply

Natural persons and legal entities engaging in commercial, industrial, or service activities may apply. Foreign individuals and entities are legally empowered under the statutory framework to obtain direct trademark protection in the Maldives. Procedural filings typically involve local authorized representation or legal coordination.

Online Filing and Search

Applications, registry databases, and electronic submission tools are managed through the digital administrative infrastructure established by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and MIPO.

Registrable Sign Types

Trademarks may comprise any signs capable of distinguishing goods or services, including words, personal names, letters, numbers, figurative elements, color combinations, three-dimensional shapes, and composite or multi-element marks.

Classification

The Maldives utilizes the international Nice Classification system for the categorization of goods and services.

Examination

The Registrar of MIPO conducts formal examinations for application completeness alongside substantive examinations evaluating absolute grounds for refusal (such as distinctiveness) and relative grounds (conflicts with prior registered or pending rights).

Publication and Opposition

Applications that successfully pass substantive examination are published officially to open a statutory opposition window, enabling interested third parties to file formal objections against registration.

Timelines

Standard unopposed trademark applications follow statutory review, publication, and registration workflows governed by MIPO administrative schedules.

Protection Duration and Renewal

Trademark protection is valid for 10 years starting from the date of registration. Registrations can be renewed for successive 10-year periods upon submitting renewal requests and paying the applicable statutory fees.

Use Requirements

The statutory framework operates on a first-to-file priority system, granting rights to the applicant who first submits a compliant application meeting minimum requirements. Registered marks are subject to maintenance and non-use cancellation provisions.

Post-Registration Procedures

Post-registration modifications—including ownership assignments, licensing agreements, changes of registrant name, or changes of address—must be formally recorded with the Registrar of MIPO to ensure full legal validity and enforceability.

Legal Remedies

Legal remedies include administrative proceedings, civil enforcement litigation, and border control measures implemented in coordination with the Maldives Customs Service to intercept and seize counterfeit merchandise. The statutory framework incorporates criminal penalties for willful counterfeiting.

Country-Specific Risks and Practical Notes

Because the Maldives operates under a modern statutory framework replacing legacy custom-based cautionary notice practices, brand owners must review existing portfolios and transition active marks to ensure formal compliance under the updated legislative system.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or consultation. To receive personalized and in-depth guidance tailored to your specific situation, we invite you to schedule a consultation.