Maldives Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in maldives, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Protecting Intellectual Property
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The Maldives became a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2004, signaling an intention to align with international intellectual property (IP) standards. The Government of Maldives is actively strengthening its IP framework and has made notable progress in establishing foundational protections, particularly for copyrights. However, further development is needed, especially with respect to formalized protections for trademarks and patents.

Institutional Framework

The Ministry of Economic Development currently oversees IP matters through its Intellectual Property Unit, which was established in 2007 to manage IP-related issues and conduct public awareness and education. Until recently, the Maldives did not have a formal, standalone IP office.

Existing IP Legislation

  • Patent Law: The Maldives does not currently have a specific patent law. Patent protection is provided through common law principles.
  • Copyright and Related Rights: The Copyright and Related Rights Act was enacted in 2000 and came into force in April 2011. It protects original literary and artistic works, including books, music, films, and software.
  • Trademark Law: The Maldives has historically lacked specific trademark legislation. As a result, trademark protection has relied on common law principles, primarily through the publication of cautionary notices in leading local newspapers.
  • Geographical Indications (GI): There is currently no standalone GI law, though development is underway.

Recent IP Developments

  • Establishment of the Intellectual Property Office: In August 2025, the Government of Maldives ratified the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act (IP Act, 2025), which came into force on January 1, 2026, and establishes a formal framework for the protection and promotion of intellectual property and marks the creation of an organized national IP system. It creates a framework for IP protection to include trademarks, patents, and geographical indications, and introduces border control measures to combat infringement.  It also created a new Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO) under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
  • Copyrights and Related Rights: Amendments to the Copyright and Related Rights Act were ratified in December 2024, introducing enhanced protections and clarifications regarding the use of copyrighted works. These amendments aim to strengthen IP protection and promote creativity. The Maldives became a member of the Berne Convention, effective November 22, 2025.
  • Patent System: A Patent Bill is currently under development by the Department of Industries.
  • Trademarks: The Trademark Act was passed and ratified by Parliament in November 2025. The Act introduces structured procedures for trademark filing, examination, opposition, and renewal, and provides both civil and criminal remedies for infringement. The implementation timeline is 12 months, after which the Maldives will formally begin trademark registration.
  • Collective Management Organizations (CMOs): A draft regulation on Collective Management Organizations has been prepared and is currently under review.
  • Geographical Indications: The Government of Maldives is in the process of drafting legislation on geographical indications.
  • WIPO Collaboration: In collaboration with WIPO, the Maldives launched a two-year project in 2024 aimed at empowering local creators, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by building IP capacity and fostering innovation.

 

U.S. Embassy IP Engagement in the Maldives: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), in coordination with the U.S. Embassy, continues to advocate for stronger IP rights protection in the Maldives through:

  • Monitoring, collaboration, and advocacy on key intellectual property issues; and
  • Engagement under the U.S.–Maldives Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), including collaboration with the Maldivian IP Unit.

The Maldivian government is actively strengthening its intellectual property (IP) framework to align with international standards. U.S. businesses should proactively register their trademarks and patents with the Ministry of Economic Development’s intellectual property unit and stay informed about the evolving IP landscape. Engaging local legal counsel specializing in IP law can help ensure compliance.

IP Attaché Program Contact

The U.S. Commerce Department has IP Attachés and Counselors positioned in key markets around the world. Contact information for the Regional IP Attaché Office covering the Maldives is:

Shilpi Jha, Intellectual Property (IP) Policy Advisor for South Asia  
Shilpi.Jha@trade.gov 
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Embassy of the United States of America
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri 
New Delhi 110021, India 
Tel: +91 11 2419 8000

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