The Maldives is on the cusp of a significant transformation in trade mark protection with the introduction of its first dedicated Trademark Act (Law No. 19/2025). This landmark legislation marks the end of the previous system of publishing "cautionary notices" in local newspapers and represents a pivotal step towards a more structured and secure registration process for trade mark rights in the country.

Key Dates to Note

Official Start: The Trademark Act will take effect on 11 November 2026.
Establishment of MIPO: The Maldives Intellectual Property Office (MIPO) has been established as of January 2026 to oversee the implementation and administration of the new system.
Upcoming Regulations: Detailed application procedures and official fees related to the new trade mark registration process will be published by mid-2027.

What This Means For You:

Historically, cautionary notices have relied on common law and do not confer enforceable statutory rights. If you have previously published cautionary notices in the Maldives, it is crucial to register your trade mark within the 12-month transitional phase. Failing to do so will forfeit your entitlement to preserve your rights during this window, leaving you vulnerable to the new "first-to-file" rule.

The transitional phase will run from 11 November 2026 to 11 November 2027. A cautionary notice published in a local newspaper in the Maldives has traditionally been considered valid for 2 to 5 years from its date of publication. As we currently understand it, if the last publication falls within this timeframe, it will be valid for the transition.