President ratifies Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Thursday ratified the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act.

Parliament passed the bill on 11 August.

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.