President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified Act No. 13/2025, the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act, setting the stage for the creation of a national body to oversee and regulate intellectual property rights in the country.
The Bill was passed during the 23rd sitting of the second session of the 20th People’s Majlis on 11 August 2025. Its enactment introduces a legal framework intended to strengthen the protection and promotion of intellectual property in the Maldives, while encouraging innovation and creativity within the commercial sector to support broader economic development.
Under the new law, the Maldives Intellectual Property Office will be established and placed under the oversight of the ministry responsible for implementing the nation’s economic policy. The Office will be headed by a Registrar of Intellectual Property, whose appointment, qualifications, and responsibilities are outlined in the Act.
The legislation also sets out the operational structure of the Office, including procedures for staff appointments, management of the Intellectual Property Register, and the handling of decisions issued by the Registrar. By formalising these processes, the government aims to provide a clear and efficient system for managing intellectual property rights.
The Act was published in the Government Gazette following ratification and is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2026.
