The Maldives has formally acceded to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, integrating the country into the international framework for copyright protection.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the Instrument of Accession was submitted to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva on 3 November 2025. The Convention will come into force for the Maldives on 22 November 2025.
The Ministry stated that this step aims to strengthen the country’s legal framework for intellectual property and support the development of the creative sector. The move will extend international copyright protection to Maldivian creators, including writers, musicians, artists, and filmmakers, aligning their rights with those of creators in other member states.
The accession is part of the government’s efforts to expand the contribution of the creative sector to the national economy and to facilitate the establishment of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) that ensure fair compensation for creative professionals.
The Ministry added that participation in the Berne Convention is expected to enhance legal certainty, promote innovation, and encourage investment in the creative industries.
