Geographical Indications Law in Maldives
Here’s an overview of Geographical Indications (GI) law in the Maldives:
1. Legal Framework
The Maldives does not have a dedicated Geographical Indications law as of now.
Protection of GIs is generally managed under the broader Trade Marks Act and Intellectual Property laws.
There is no separate registration system specifically for GIs.
2. Protection via Trademark Law
Protection of product names linked to geographical origin can be sought through:
Certification marks: Indicating that goods meet specific standards or originate from a certain area.
Collective marks: Used by members of an association or group to show origin.
These marks are registered through the Maldives Intellectual Property Office (IPO Maldives).
3. International Treaties
Maldives is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is bound by the TRIPS Agreement (which mandates minimum GI protection).
Maldives is also a party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
However, Maldives has not enacted specific domestic GI laws to fully implement TRIPS provisions on GIs.
4. Practical Protection
Without dedicated GI legislation, producers rely on trademark registration and unfair competition laws to protect geographic product names.
Enforcement is possible through civil litigation or administrative actions under trademark laws.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Maldives |
|---|---|
| Dedicated GI Law | ❌ No |
| Protection via Trademark Law | ✅ Certification and collective marks |
| Registration Authority | Maldives Intellectual Property Office |
| TRIPS Compliance | ✅ WTO member, but limited domestic implementation |
| Paris Convention Membership | ✅ Yes |
| GI Registration System | ❌ No specific system |
Conclusion
The Maldives currently lacks a specific legal regime for GIs but relies on trademark laws for some protection. To fully benefit from GI protection, legislative development is needed.
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