Maldives: New Trade Mark Legislation Ends Era of Cautionary Notices

The Republic of Maldives has enacted the Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025), establishing the country's first comprehensive statutory framework for the registration and protection of trade marks.

The legislation marks a fundamental change in Maldivian trade mark practice. Historically, brand owners seeking protection in the Maldives have principally relied upon the publication of cautionary notices as a means of asserting their trade mark rights. The new legislation moves the Maldives from this informal notice-based practice to a statutory trade mark registration system administered through the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO).

The Trademark Act was ratified and published on November 11, 2025 and is scheduled to enter into force on November 11, 2026. The new regime introduces formal procedures for examination, publication, opposition, registration and enforcement of trade mark rights.

Under the new system, priority will generally turn on filing. Early preparation of trade mark portfolios will therefore be commercially important for domestic and international brand owners seeking protection in the Maldives.

The legislation provides for examination of applications for both formal compliance and substantive registrability. Accepted applications will be published, following which an interested party may file an opposition within three months of publication.

The Act also provides for priority claims. Applicants relying upon an earlier filing in a Paris Convention or WTO member may claim foreign-filing priority within the applicable six-month period, subject to the requirements of the legislation.

Registration will remain valid for ten years and may be renewed for successive ten-year periods. The legislation also addresses assignments and licences and introduces civil remedies, customs border measures and criminal sanctions relating to counterfeiting and infringement.

Of particular importance to existing rights holders is the transitional regime. Existing trade mark owners will need to apply under the new registration system within twelve months after the Act comes into force in order to preserve continuity under the transitional arrangements. On the presently scheduled commencement date, that period is expected to expire on November 11, 2027.

Brand owners who presently protect or have previously protected their marks through cautionary notices should therefore begin reviewing their Maldives portfolios. This should include identifying important marks, confirming ownership details, preserving evidence of prior use and cautionary notices, reviewing appropriate goods and services specifications, and preparing for filing once the new registration system becomes operational.

Filing forms, official fees, classification practice and detailed procedural requirements may be affected by implementing regulations, guidelines and MIPO practice. Rights holders should therefore continue monitoring the implementation of the new regime and obtain specific advice before relying upon any filing deadline or taking action.