The Maldives has no dedicated trademark or industrial-property statute — so you protect a mark by publishing a cautionary notice. But a copyright law exists, and broader IP legislation is developing as the economy grows.
The current framework
- No comprehensive IP legislation. Trademark protection relies on public recognition via cautionary notices, against a common-law backdrop for disputes.
- An IP Unit since 2007. The Ministry of Economic Development set up an Intellectual Property Unit in 2007 to raise IP awareness.
- Copyright law exists. The Copyright and Related Rights Act was passed in October 2010 and came into force in April 2011.
- More laws developing. The government has been developing Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Industrial Property legislation, aided by WIPO, within its WTO/TRIPS obligations.
Cautionary notices — how protection works
The primary trademark-protection method is the cautionary notice, published in newspapers/journals with wide circulation. It is a warning to third parties against using the mark (which may amount to infringement). Practical points:
- Processing: typically 3–4 weeks.
- Fees: vary by notice length and the applicable NICE classification categories.
(For the detailed FAQ on how the notice works — information needed, renewal by re-publication, multi-class notices — see our Maldives cautionary-notice FAQ.)
Where it’s heading
The economy’s growth in tourism, fisheries, trade and construction is driving the case for formal IP protection — to safeguard local talent and support international commerce. The recommendation has been to enact formal IPR legislation and to join key treaties — the Paris Convention, Madrid Agreement/Protocol, Lisbon Agreement, Berne Convention and Hague Agreement — to become more competitive and free-trade-ready.
The takeaways
- Protect trademarks now by cautionary notice, and re-publish periodically to maintain protection.
- Copyright has a statute (since 2010/2011) — a step ahead of trademarks.
- Watch for new laws. As dedicated trademark/industrial-property legislation arrives, protection strategy will change — plan a regional portfolio accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Maldives have a trademark law? Not a dedicated one — protection currently relies on cautionary notices, though broader IP legislation is being developed.
How do I protect a trademark in the Maldives? By publishing a cautionary notice in widely circulated newspapers/journals, and re-publishing periodically.
Is there a copyright law in the Maldives? Yes — the Copyright and Related Rights Act (2010, effective 2011).
Is the Maldives part of international IP treaties? It is a WTO/TRIPS member and works with WIPO; accession to treaties like the Paris Convention and Madrid Protocol has been recommended as legislation develops.