The Maldives, a small nation in Asia renowned for its marine ecosystems and coral reefs, has long relied on informal notices in local newspapers to protect trademarks. This method, though functional, lacked the formal structure needed for robust brand defense. On November 11, 2025, the country marked a pivotal shift by establishing its first Intellectual Property authority: the Maldives Intellectual Property Office. This development signals a new era of trademark protection, with the Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025) set to take effect on November 11, 2026.
The new law introduces a first-to-file system, a critical change for trademark owners. Under this framework, ownership is determined by the filing date, not by prior use of the mark in the Maldives or elsewhere. This approach simplifies disputes but raises questions about brand owners who may have used a mark before the law’s effective date. Registration validity spans 10 years, renewable for successive periods, ensuring long-term protection.
For businesses, the transition from informal notices to formal registration requires careful planning. Until the Trademark Act becomes active, notices will remain in place. However, brand owners must act swiftly: applications for formal registration must be filed within 12 months of the law’s effective date to maintain protection. This window underscores the urgency of reviewing existing trademark portfolios and identifying marks currently safeguarded by notices.
Trademark confusability and monitoring now take on added significance. The new system demands proactive measures to prevent overlapping brands that could confuse consumers. While the law provides tools for enforcement, including civil and criminal remedies and customs border measures, businesses must stay vigilant. Even those without prior protections in the Maldives are advised to publish notices now, securing a head start in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
The Maldives’ move reflects a growing global trend toward formalized intellectual property frameworks. For businesses operating in or targeting this market, the transition from informal to structured trademark protection is not just a legal formality - it’s a strategic imperative.
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