Parliament has approved the creation of the Maldives Intellectual Property Office, a new Government agency tasked with protecting and promoting intellectual property rights in the country.

The bill, introduced by Kudahuvadhoo MP Hussain Hameed of the People’s National Congress (PNC), passed with eight amendments and received the support of 68 members.

The legislation, comprising five clauses, sets out the office’s mandate to register intellectual property, maintain official records, engage with international intellectual property bodies, participate in global treaties, and monitor regional and international developments in the sector. It also empowers the office to run public awareness campaigns, offer services under relevant laws, and collect applicable fees.

In addition, the act outlines procedures for reviewing applications where registration has been refused. Applicants will have 14 days to seek a review, with the registrar required to issue a decision within 45 days, and submit any appeal to court within 30 days.The law is set to come into effect in 2026.