A new Trademark Bill establishing the Maldives Trademark Law (Law No 19/2025) and the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO) was ratified in
November 2025 by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, creating a statutory basis for trade mark protection in the country, inter alia, with a view to further economic development of the nation.

MIPO was established on 1 January 2026 and the new Trademark Act will come into force twelve months after publication i.e., on 11 November 2026.

This development marks a meaningful advancement for the trade mark landscape in Maldives by introducing a formal legal framework for the registration and management of trade marks, including trade mark infringement guidelines and measures. It is a welcome step from the earlier practice where trade marks could only be protected by way of publishing cautionary notices, which was merely publication in the local newspapers informing the public of one’s ownership rights in it’s trade mark(s).

Some of the prominent aspects of the new law are as follows:

• Certification marks and collective trade marks are allowed
• In addition to the usual six-month priority claims based on foreign filings, the new Act also allows for exhibition priority for marks showcased at certain recognized exhibitions
• There is a two-step examination process including a formality examination followed by a substantive one.
• There are enhanced enforcement measures against trade mark infringement and counterfeits including civil and criminal actions; penalties and customs border protection.

Trade mark owners who had previously published cautionary notices are now required to file an application for their trade marks within 12 months from the effective date of the Act i.e. until 11 November 2027. Therefore, trade mark owners should start reviewing their existing trade mark portfolios in Maldives and collate all documents such as their cautionary notices and any use in exhibitions to be ready for the transitional period and file their trade mark applications under the new law post-11 November 2026.

Till the IP Office is completely set up, which is anticipated around end of this year, trade mark owners may continue to publish cautionary notices.

By: Denise Mirandah and Surabhi Pathak

 This article was first published in the Pharmaceutical Trade Marks Group (PTMG) Law Lore & Practice.