President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Trademark Bill, marking a major milestone in the Maldives’ intellectual property (IP) framework. The Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025) was passed by the 20th People’s Majlis during its 17th sitting of the third session of 2025, held on Monday, 10 November 2025.
The new law establishes a comprehensive system for the registration and protection of trademarks in the Maldives, aiming to safeguard the interests of local producers, artisans, and businesses. It defines the rights of trademark proprietors, provides remedies for infringement, and sets out the civil and criminal measures available in cases of counterfeiting.
Following ratification, the Trademark Act has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into force 12 months from the date of publication. Within six months, relevant authorities are required to issue supporting regulations and guidelines in the Gazette. Existing trademark owners must register their marks within 12 months after the law takes effect.
Establishing a Modern Trademark Framework
The Trademark Act introduces a structured process for filing and registering marks through the Registrar of Intellectual Property. Applications must include details of the applicant, a graphic representation of the mark, and a list of goods or services for which it will be used. The law also provides applicants the option to register color as a distinctive element and to include translations in English or Dhivehi.
The Act recognizes two types of priority rights:
- Foreign Application Priority (Article 9): Applicants who have filed a trademark in a Paris Convention or WTO member country may claim priority in the Maldives within six months of the foreign filing date.
- Exhibition Priority (Article 10): Applicants who display goods or services under a mark at an international exhibition recognized by the government may claim priority within six months of the first display date.
Grounds for Registration and Refusal
Under Articles 14 and 15, the Registrar may refuse registration if a mark lacks distinctiveness, is descriptive of goods or services, or is contrary to public order, morality, or Islamic values. Marks that are identical or confusingly similar to pre-existing or well-known trademarks are also subject to refusal.
However, the Act allows for an exception if a mark has acquired distinctiveness through long-term use in the Maldives, even if it initially lacked such character.
Enforcement and Legal Remedies
The new law introduces clear provisions on infringement, civil remedies, and criminal penalties to ensure robust enforcement:
- Infringement (Article 32): Unauthorized use of a registered or well-known mark constitutes infringement, including use of similar signs likely to cause confusion or dilute a mark’s reputation.
- Civil Remedies: Trademark proprietors may seek injunctions, damages, and other civil measures to stop unauthorized use or recover losses.
- Criminal Offenses (Articles 47–48): Counterfeiting is recognized as a criminal offense. Upon conviction, counterfeit goods, materials, and equipment may be destroyed or permanently removed from commercial circulation without compensation.
Promoting Business Confidence and Brand Protection
The Trademark Act 2025 is a key reform that brings the Maldives closer to international IP standards under the Paris Convention and World Trade Organization (WTO) frameworks. By formalizing the protection of trademarks, the law aims to foster innovation, attract investment, and create a fair marketplace that rewards authenticity and creativity.
Apex Law commends this development as a significant step toward strengthening intellectual property governance in the Maldives. The firm encourages businesses and brand owners to begin preparing for compliance, ensuring their trademarks are properly registered once the law takes effect.
For legal assistance or advisory on trademark registration and IP compliance under the new Trademark Act, please contact Apex Law LLP.