President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the Maldives Intellectual Property Office Act.

The Bill was passed at the 23rd sitting of the second session of the 20th People’s Majlis on 11 August 2025.

The new law establishes the Maldives Intellectual Property Office, which will operate under the ministry responsible for economic policy. The Office aims to protect and promote intellectual property, encourage innovation and creativity in the commercial sector, and contribute to economic growth.

The head of the Office will serve as the Registrar of Intellectual Property, with defined powers, responsibilities, and qualifications. The Act also sets out procedures for the appointment of staff, management of the Intellectual Property Register, and the handling of decisions made by the Registrar.

The Act has been published in the Government Gazette and will come into force on 1 January 2026.