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Ratification of the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Bill is a historic step towards protecting intellectual property: Minister

Ratification of the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Bill is a historic step towards protecting intellectual property: Minister

  • Business

Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed has said that with the ratification of the Intellectual Property Office Bill by H.E. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives has taken a historic step toward strengthening its institutional framework to protect intellectual property and foster innovation.

In a post on X regarding the ratification of this bill, Minister said that this landmark Act establishes the Maldives Intellectual Property Office, ensuring the safeguarding of creative assets, promoting innovation, and attracting high-quality foreign direct investment.

President Dr. Muizzu ratified Act No. 13/2025, the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act on Thursday, 21 August 2025.

The Bill was passed during the 23rd sitting of the second session of the 20th People’s Majlis, held on Monday, 11 August 2025.

The primary objective of the Act is to establish a solid framework for the protection and promotion of intellectual property in the Maldives, and to establish the Maldives Intellectual Property Office, intended to foster innovation and creativity in the commercial sector while facilitating economic development. The Act further prescribes the powers and responsibilities of the Office, together with relevant guidelines.

Upon the enactment of this legislation, the Maldives Intellectual Property Office will be established under the oversight of the ministry responsible for the implementation of the economic policy. The head of the Maldives Intellectual Property Office will be designated as the Registrar of Intellectual Property.

The Act further stipulates procedures concerning the appointment, qualifications, powers and responsibilities of the Registrar, as well as the regulations governing the administrative staff of the Office. It also prescribes the management of the Intellectual Property Register and the processes to be followed regarding decisions issued by the Registrar under this law.

Following ratification, the Act has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into effect on 1 January 2026.