Intellectual Property lawyers in Maldives (AS)

Intellectual property lawyers in the Maldives handle several key responsibilities:

• Filing and prosecuting trademark applications with the Maldives IP Office
• Advising on patent protection strategies for the Maldivian market
• Representing clients in IP infringement cases before Maldivian courts
• Conducting IP audits for businesses operating in Malé and other islands
• Advising on copyright protection for creative works
• Assisting with IP licensing and transfer agreements under Maldivian law

Businesses can find patent attorneys in the Maldives through several channels:

• The intellectual-property.org directory, which lists qualified patent professionals in Malé and other regions
• The Maldives Bar Association, which maintains records of attorneys with IP specialization
• The Maldives IP Office in Malé, which can provide referrals to registered patent agents
• International law firms with representation in the Maldives, particularly in Malé’s business district

Trademark registration costs in the Maldives include:

1. Official filing fee: MVR 1,000 (approximately USD 65) per class
2. Registration fee: MVR 1,000 (approximately USD 65) per class
3. Attorney fees: USD 300-800 depending on complexity
4. Translation costs if documents are not in English or Dhivehi
5. Renewal fees every 10 years: MVR 1,000 per class

Additional costs may apply for accelerated examination or if objections arise during the registration process. The intellectual-property.org quote system can help obtain precise estimates from attorneys in Maldives.

The Maldives implemented its current copyright protection framework through the Copyright & Related Rights Act (Law No. 23/2010), which was enacted in 2010. This legislation established the modern copyright system in the country, protecting literary, artistic, musical, and dramatic works. The law grants authors exclusive rights for their lifetime plus 50 years after death, aligning with international standards. In 2020, the Maldives further strengthened its IP legal framework with the Industrial Property Act (Law No. 31/2020), which covers other forms of intellectual property rights beyond copyright.

Foreign businesses need local attorneys for IP matters in the Maldives for these reasons:

1. Maldivian law requires a local address for service for IP filings
2. Local attorneys understand the procedural nuances of the Maldives IP Office in Malé
3. They can navigate language requirements (documents may need to be in English or Dhivehi)
4. They have knowledge of local enforcement mechanisms and court procedures
5. They can advise on industry-specific IP issues relevant to the Maldivian market

The industries in the Maldives that most frequently seek trademark protection include:

• Tourism and hospitality, particularly luxury resorts across the atolls
• Seafood processing and export companies
• Local handicraft producers creating traditional Maldivian crafts
• Food and beverage businesses, especially those using local ingredients
• Diving and water sports equipment providers
• Wellness and spa service operators

These industries represent key sectors of the Maldivian economy and regularly work with attorneys in Malé to protect their brands and business identities.