Trademark Registration in Maldives (MV): Protect Your Brand Under the New Trademark Act
Trademark registration in Maldives becomes possible for the first time when the Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025) comes into force on 11 November 2026. Applications will be filed with the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO), established on 1 January 2026, under a first-to-file system. Brand owners who relied on cautionary notices have a 12-month transition window to register and protect their earlier rights. Our trademark consultants prepare filings, transition claims and evidence for resorts, retailers and brands across Malé and the atolls.
On this page
Maldives trademark registration at a glance
- Classification
- Nice Classification, 45 claIP office | Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO), established 1 January 2026
- Law
- Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025), in force 11 November 2026; Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act (Law No. 12/2025)
- System
- First-to-file, with a 12-month transition window for existing brand owners
- Classification
- Nice Classification, edition applied
- Multi-class filing
- To be confirmed in MIPO regulations
- Madrid Protocol
- Not a member
- Language
- Dhivehi or English
- Opposition period
- 3 months from publication
- Typical timeline
- To be confirmed once MIPO starts examining
- Validity
- 10 years, renewable
- Official fees
- To be published by MIPO
- Power of attorney
- Requirements due in MIPO regulations by May 2027sses
- Madrid Protocol
- No
- Language
- Dhivehi and English
- Validity
- 10 years, renewable
* Timelines assume no objections or oppositions. Laws change, so contact us to confirm current requirements.
Why register your trademark in Maldives
A first-to-file system is starting.
From 11 November 2026, rights go to the first applicant. Brands that wait risk a competitor or local distributor filing first.
A one-time transition window.
Owners who used their marks or published cautionary notices before the Act have 12 months to register and keep their earlier rights. After that, the window closes.
A premium tourism market.
Resorts, hospitality groups, retail and food brands compete for high-value visitors, and look-alike names and logos are common.
Stronger enforcement.
The Act introduces formal border measures, and Maldives Customs will prioritise brands registered with MIPO.
Our trademark services in Maldives
End-to-end support from our licensed in-country attorneys, from the first search to lifelong protection.
Trademark search
Checks of published cautionary notices, business names and, once live, the MIPO register.
Trademark registration
Class selection, specification drafting, filing with MIPO and follow-up to certificate.
Transition claimsTransition claims
Registering existing marks within the 12-month window, with evidence of prior use and notices.
Opposition
Filing or defending oppositions within the 3-month period.
Renewal and recordals
Renewals, assignments, licences and changes of name or address.
Trademark watch
Monitoring of new MIPO publications for conflicting marks.
Why choose Legacy Partners Global as your trademark consultants in Maldives
- Ready for day one: we prepare applications now so they can be filed as soon as MIPO opens.
- Transition evidence handled: we gather your cautionary notices, invoices and use records to protect earlier rights.
- Specifications drafted by lawyers: precise wording protects the scope you need under the new law.
- Regional planning: we coordinate the Maldives with India, Sri Lanka, the UAE and your home market.
- One point of contact: our Dubai office manages your Maldives filing with your other markets.
A qualified attorney reviews every enquiry within one working day.
Trademark registration process in Maldives
Here is how to register a trademark in Maldives under the new Act, step by step.
Search and classify (2–3 days)
We check cautionary notices, business names and the MIPO register once live, and map your goods and services to Nice classes.
Gather transition evidence (if you used the mark before the Act)
We collect your published notices and dated proof of use to support earlier rights.
File with MIPO (from 11 November 2026)
We file the application with the mark image, specification and authorisation. You receive a filing number and date.
Publication and opposition (3 months)
Accepted marks are published. Third parties may oppose within 3 months.
Registration and certificate
With no opposition, the mark is registered and the certificate issued. Protection runs for 10 years and can be renewed.
Before 11 November 2026
Publish a cautionary notice now. It takes 3–7 business days to arrange and gives you dated evidence for the transition claim.
Start your application in a few minutes. Nothing is filed until you approve the written quote.
Documents required for trademark registration in Maldives
Signed authorisation for our local agent (form set by MIPO regulations)
Applicant’s full name, address, nationality and legal form
Clear image of the mark in JPG format (for logos)
List of goods or services
Evidence of prior use and copies of earlier cautionary notices, for transition claims
Priority document, if you claim priority from a first filing abroad if the Act allows
Power of attorney requirements for foreign applicants in Maldives
Formal power of attorney requirements for MIPO filings will be set out in the operational regulations, due by May 2027. We will update this page as soon as they are published. Until the Act takes effect, a simply signed authorisation is enough to publish a cautionary notice, with no notarisation or legalisation. We send a ready-to-sign authorisation the same day you instruct us.
Trademark registration fees in Maldives
MIPO has not yet published its official fee schedule for trademark registration in Maldives as of October 2026. We will add the official fees here as soon as they are released. Contact us for a fixed written quote for your filing or transition claim.
Timeline, validity and renewal
How long registration takes
The Trademark Act comes into force on 11 November 2026. The 12-month transition window for existing brand owners runs from that date to 11 November 2027. Examination timelines will be clearer once MIPO starts processing applications. A registered mark lasts 10 years and can be renewed for further periods, so recurring newspaper notices are no longer needed.
Validity and renewal
Trademark validity: 10 years from registration date and Renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year periods
Use requirements and non-use cancellation
You do not need to use a mark before filing under the new Act. Use before 11 November 2026 matters for the transition window, because it supports a claim to earlier rights. After registration, a mark not used for a set period may be open to cancellation. Keep dated invoices, menus, signage, packaging, booking pages and advertising that show the mark in use in the Maldives.
Opposition, objections and appeals
Office objections.
If MIPO raises an objection, you will be able to reply within a deadline set by the regulations.
Opposition.
Accepted marks are published, and any interested party can oppose within 3 months of publication.
Appeals and disputes.
MIPO decisions can be challenged before the Civil Court. Infringement and passing-off claims are heard by the Civil Court.
Trademark enforcement and infringement in Maldives
The Trademark Act gives registered owners statutory rights for the first time. Until a mark is registered, enforcement still depends on evidence of use and earlier notices.
What counts as infringement.
Using an identical or confusingly similar mark for similar goods or services, passing off goods as yours, or selling counterfeits.
Your enforcement options
- Cease-and-desist letter: often enough to stop a local copycat.
- Civil action: infringement and passing-off claims before the Civil Court, including interim stop-orders.
- Border measures: the Act introduces formal customs enforcement, and Maldives Customs will prioritise brands registered with MIPO.
- Online takedowns: remove infringing listings and social media pages.
Defending your registration.
Watch MIPO publications and oppose conflicting marks within the 3-month period.
How Legacy Partners Global helps.
Our trademark consultants in Maldives handle evidence, cease-and-desist letters, oppositions, customs measures and coordination with local litigation counsel.
What to know before filing in Maldives
Do not miss the transition window.
Existing owners have 12 months from 11 November 2026 to register and protect earlier rights.
Gather your evidence.
Keep copies of past cautionary notices and dated proof of use.
Expect new rules.
Fees, forms and power of attorney requirements are due in MIPO’s regulations by May 2027.
Register at home too.
A registration in your home market or a major market strengthens your position in any dispute.
Client stories
Businesses that trust us with their brands across borders.
We had an excellent experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration and brand protection services in India. Their expert team guided us throughout the filing process, ensuring accurate documentation, timely updates, and seamless support. Their professionalism and intellectual property expertise gave us confidence in protecting our brand identity while supporting our expansion into new markets.
We had a seamless experience working with Legacy Partners for trademark registration services in Bahrain. Their professional team provided excellent support throughout the trademark filing process, ensuring timely updates, accurate documentation, and smooth coordination. Their expertise in intellectual property and brand protection services helped us secure our brand identity with confidence.
* Client stories are shared with permission.
Trademark registration in Maldives: FAQ
When can I register a trademark in Maldives?
From 11 November 2026, when the Trademark Act comes into force and MIPO starts accepting applications.
How much does trademark registration cost in Maldives?
MIPO has not yet published its official fees. Contact us for a fixed written quote.
How long is a Maldives trademark valid?
10 years from registration, renewable for further periods.
Can I file one application for several classes?
To be confirmed in MIPO’s regulations.
Do I need a local trademark agent or consultant in Maldives?
Foreign applicants are expected to file through a local agent; the regulations will confirm the requirement.
How do I choose a trademark consultant in Maldives?
Check that they understand the new Act and transition rules, can gather evidence of earlier use, handle oppositions, and quote official and professional fees separately.
Is my cautionary notice still valid?
It remains useful evidence, but it does not give registered rights. Register within the 12-month transition window to protect your earlier rights.
What can I do if someone copies my trademark in Maldives?
Send a cease-and-desist letter, bring a claim in the Civil Court, and, once registered, use the new border measures.
Does Maldives follow first-to-file?
Yes, from 11 November 2026. Existing owners can protect earlier rights during the 12-month transition window.
Do I need to use my trademark before filing?
No. But use before the Act supports a transition claim to earlier rights.
What language is the application filed in?
Dhivehi or English, as set by MIPO.
What documents do I need, and does the power of attorney need notarisation or legalisation?
Applicant details, the mark image, your list of goods or services and evidence of earlier use. Power of attorney requirements will be set in MIPO’s regulations, due by May 2027.
Trademark registration in nearby countries
Register your trademark in Maldives today
Speak to our trademark consultants in Maldives. Send your mark and we will reply with a free search, a transition plan and a fixed written quote within one working day.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Official requirements and fees can change; we confirm the current position for your matter before filing.
