Trademark Filing and Registration in Maldives
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In today’s interconnected business world, understanding the framework for trademark filing and registration in Maldives is vital for global brands and entrepreneurs alike. Although the formal system in this jurisdiction differs from many other countries, a clear grasp of the procedural and strategic dimensions is essential to securing and protecting your brand’s identity.
The phrase “trademark filing and registration in Maldives” refers to the steps a brand owner must take to protect its mark in the Maldives or to publicly assert ownership particularly through mechanisms such as publication of a cautionary notice, given that a full statutory registration scheme has not yet been adopted. This approach arises because, at present, the Maldives lacks a dedicated trademark law or formal registration system. As a result, the usual worldwide norms of filing, examination, opposition and renewal operate differently in this territory.
When you register or otherwise protect your brand in a specific market, you gain advantages such as higher visibility, greater commercial goodwill and stronger legal standing in case of disputes. In the Maldives, for example, publishing a notice of ownership serves as evidence of your claim helping deter misuse, strengthen market confidence and support enforcement of your rights under the common law. Whether you are looking to export products into the Maldives, establish a local entity, or simply assert global brand control, understanding how to register brand name as a trademark in Maldives is a prudent step.
Although the Maldives does not currently permit full statutory trademark registration by foreign applicants, you can still engage in a formalised application-type process based on local practices. Historically, brand owners have published a cautionary notice in a leading Maldivian newspaper (in English and/or Dhivehi) listing the trademark owner’s details, mark design and goods/services specification. If you are a locally registered entity in the Maldives, the local Ministry of Economic Development may accept registration under its limited process—but even this offers limited exclusive rights. Because of this unique framework, the first step is to conduct a trademark search (or review of use) to assess potential conflicts and then proceed to publication of the cautionary notice or local filing strategy.
The trademark registration process in Maldives, strictly speaking, is not like standard jurisdictions with dedicated IP offices, examination phases and multi-class filings. Instead:
Because the process is unorthodox, it is essential to engage experienced IP advisors who understand local practices and can tailor your approach accordingly.
To register your brand name as a trademark in Maldives or more accurately, to protect your brand name—consider the following:
Using these strategic steps helps build a stronger case for your brand name, even in an enforcement framework that relies on common law rather than a formal registration scheme.
Since formal registration is limited, the primary cost relates to publishing a cautionary notice in a local newspaper. According to recent resources:
Brands should view these costs not only as fees but as investments in market deterrence, evidence-building and long-term brand protection.
In many jurisdictions, renewal of trademark registration is a defined statutory step (e.g., every ten years). In the Maldives, given the absence of a formal registration regime, the concept of trademark renewal is different:
Adopting a maintenance protocol aligned with these steps helps ensure your mark remains meaningful and defensible in the Maldives market.
Given the peculiar legal environment in the Maldives, enforcement of trademark rights must be approached with a tailored strategy:
While the current system is more limited than many jurisdictions, proactive use, documentation and local awareness remain powerful protection tools in the Maldives.
An important development for brand owners is the upcoming reform of the IP regime in the Maldives:
Understanding this imminent shift ensures you position your trademark strategy in the Maldives with foresight rather than reacting when change arrives.
At the outset of your brand protection strategy in the Maldives, you may find it beneficial to consult with experienced intellectual property advisers who understand both the current cautionary-notice regime and the upcoming formal registration framework. The law firm Kayser & Co possesses the expertise to guide you through these nuances and align your global brand strategy accordingly.
Presently, the Maldives does not have a full statutory trademark registration law for foreign applicants. Protection is generally achieved via publication of a cautionary notice.
Since there is no defined renewal statutory term, best practice is to republish your cautionary notice every 3–5 years and maintain use documentation.
Costs vary depending on newspaper fees, languages, multi-class filings and local agent fees. Some packages begin around US $1,800 for search and notice publication.
You rely on common-law actions like passing-off. Evidence of use, brand reputation and publication of a cautionary notice are crucial.
Yes. A dedicated Maldives Intellectual Property Office is expected to begin operations around 2026, offering a full registration system.