President Establishes Maldives Intellectual Property Office

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally established the Maldives Intellectual Property Office with the enactment of the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act, effective 1 January 2026.

The new office, operating under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, will serve as the central authority for protecting, promoting, and administering intellectual property rights nationwide.

President Muizzu ratified the Act on 21 August 2025, enabling the creation of a dedicated agency to manage intellectual property affairs.

The legislation, comprising five clauses, mandates the establishment of the Intellectual Property Office within the ministry responsible for economic policy. It also creates the position of Registrar of Intellectual Property as the office's head, with clearly defined duties, qualifications, and responsibilities.

The Maldives Intellectual Property Office will handle the registration of intellectual property, maintenance of official records, and delivery of services under applicable laws. Additional mandates include engaging with international intellectual property organisations, participating in global treaties, monitoring regional and international developments, conducting public awareness programmes, and collecting prescribed fees.