Industrial Designs Law in Maldives
As of May 2025, the Maldives does not have a dedicated Industrial Designs Act. Protection for industrial designs is not provided through a formal registration system. Instead, rights holders often resort to publishing cautionary notices in local newspapers to establish public awareness of their design ownership. This practice serves as a deterrent against potential infringement and is recognized under common law principles.
The Ministry of Economic Development oversees intellectual property matters in the Maldives. While it has established an Intellectual Property Unit to educate the public and businesses about IP rights, comprehensive legislation for industrial designs remains absent.
Internationally, the Maldives is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a signatory to the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). However, it is not a member of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, which allows for the protection of designs in multiple countries through a single application.
In summary, while the Maldives lacks specific legislation for industrial designs, creators can establish rights through cautionary notices. For broader protection, especially in international markets, seeking legal advice and considering protection under the Hague System may be prudent.
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