Intellectual Property lawyers in Male (AS)

Intellectual property lawyers in Malé typically offer these services:

• Trademark registration and protection
• Copyright registration for creative works
• IP litigation and dispute resolution
• Brand protection strategies
• IP portfolio management
• Advisory on Maldivian IP laws
• International IP protection coordination

These services address the needs of local businesses, international companies operating in the Maldives, and individuals seeking to protect their creative and commercial assets in the region.

Businesses can find patent attorneys in Malé through:

1. The intellectual-property.org directory, which lists qualified IP professionals in the Malé region
2. The Maldives Bar Council, located in Malé city center
3. Business centers in Henveiru and Galolhu districts
4. Referrals from the Ministry of Economic Development
5. International law firms with representation in Malé

While the patent system in the Maldives is still developing, these attorneys can help with international patent applications and strategy.

Trademark registration in Malé typically costs between $500-1,500 USD, covering:

• Government filing fees: $250-350
• Attorney fees: $250-1,000 depending on complexity
• Search reports: $100-200

Additional costs may apply for responding to office actions or oppositions. Multi-class applications incur additional fees per class. Through intellectual-property.org’s quote system, businesses can compare specific pricing from various attorneys in Malé for their trademark needs.

The Maldives implemented its current trademark laws in 2021 with the enactment of the Industrial Property Act. This legislation replaced the previous Trademark Registration framework from 2009. The 2021 law strengthened protection for trademark owners and aligned Maldivian IP practices more closely with international standards. The Maldives IP Office, located in central Malé, administers these laws and handles trademark applications. Prior to 2009, trademark protection in the Maldives was limited and primarily handled through common law principles.

Local expertise is important when hiring an attorney in Malé for IP matters because:

1. Maldivian IP laws combine elements of common law and Islamic law principles
2. Local attorneys understand the procedural nuances of the Malé-based IP Office
3. They have established relationships with government officials who review applications
4. They can navigate language requirements (documents may need Dhivehi translations)
5. They understand local business practices and cultural considerations that affect IP strategy

These factors significantly impact the success of trademark registrations, copyright protections, and IP enforcement actions in the Maldives.