South Asia · Trademarks

Trademark Registration in Maldives (via Cautionary Notice)

The Maldives does not operate a conventional trademark registry. Protection is secured by publishing a Cautionary Notice in a leading local newspaper (usually in English and Dhivehi) and republishing periodically. Selvams handles the process end-to-end—drafting, translation, publication, and renewals.

  • ✔ 17+ years of IP practice
  • ✔ India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal
  • ✔ Fixed-fee, transparent timelines

Why protect your trademark in the Maldives?

  • Prevent misuse of your brand name, logo, or slogan in a high-growth tourism & services economy.
  • Establish priority rights and evidence for enforcement (passing-off actions).
  • Strengthen your South Asia portfolio and distributor agreements.

How the Maldives trademark process works

  1. Gather details: owner name/address, mark (word/logo), Nice classes & specifications.
  2. Draft & translate: we prepare the Cautionary Notice (English + Dhivehi recommended).
  3. Publish: place the notice in a leading local newspaper (some clients choose two for wider reach).
  4. Maintain: republish at sensible intervals (commonly every 2–3 or 5 years, depending on risk and use).
  5. Enforce: the notice serves as strong evidence in infringement/passing-off disputes.

Typical timeline: 2–4 weeks from instruction to publication (subject to newspaper schedules).

What we need from you

  • Owner details (name, address, nationality)
  • Trademark representation (word and/or logo in JPG/PNG)
  • Classes and goods/services specification (Nice Classification)

No Power of Attorney is generally required for publication.

FAQs

Is there a trademark registry in the Maldives?

No. Protection is via newspaper Cautionary Notices rather than a central registry.

How often should I republish?

There is no statutory renewal. In practice, many brands republish every 2–3 years; some opt for 5 years (or annually for heavy-use marks).

Can a foreign company protect its mark?

Yes. Foreign owners can publish through a local agent. We manage the full workflow.

Which languages?

English and Dhivehi are recommended for broader notice and evidentiary value.

Ready to protect your brand in the Maldives?

Selvams will draft, translate, publish, and calendar republishing for you.

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