President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified Act No. 13/2025, the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act.
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.