President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has formally established the Maldives Intellectual Property Office under the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act, which came into force on 1 January 2026.

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

President Dr Muizzu ratified the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act on 21 August 2025, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated agency to oversee intellectual property matters in the country.

The legislation, which consists of five clauses, requires the creation of the Intellectual Property Office under the ministry responsible for economic policy implementation. It also establishes the position of Registrar of Intellectual Property as the head of the office, with the Act clearly outlining the registrar’s duties, qualifications and responsibilities.

Under the Act, the Maldives Intellectual Property Office will be responsible for registering intellectual property, maintaining official records, and providing services under relevant laws. The office is also mandated to engage with international intellectual property organisations, participate in global treaties, monitor regional and international developments, conduct public awareness programmes, and collect fees prescribed under the legal framework.