Not Just Batik: Why Industrial Design is the Hidden Gem of IP in Indonesia - AFFA IPR

Not Just Batik: Why Industrial Design is the Hidden Gem of IP in Indonesia

When people think about Intellectual Property (IP) in Indonesia, their minds often go straight to Batik—a traditional cultural expression protected under Copyright. But beyond the cultural spotlight lies a vastly underappreciated and highly strategic asset in IP: Industrial Design.   Despite its growing importance, Industrial Design protection in Indonesia remains largely overlooked by creators, businesses, and even international investors. That’s a major missed opportunity, especially considering Indonesia’s growing importance in global trade and IP.   Industrial Design: More Than Just Aesthetic Appeal   An Industrial Design protects the visual appearance of a product—its shape, pattern, lines, contours, colors, or any combination thereof. It’s not about functionality, but about form. If you’ve created a distinctive bottle shape, a shoe silhouette, a furniture design, or unique packaging, it may qualify for protection under Industrial Design law.   In today’s consumer-driven world, where visual differentiation drives value, protecting these design elements is crucial.   The Untold Fact: Indonesia Is Quietly Active   Indonesia is not a passive player in industrial design. Since 2017, the country has consistently recorded over 2,000 industrial design applications annually, reflecting a healthy and growing awareness of design protection.   In fact, by 2022, filings reached a record high of 3,533 applications, indicating rising activity from both domestic and foreign applicants. This trend highlights how businesses are starting to treat design not just as an aesthetic enhancement, but as a strategic asset worth securing in Indonesia.   Foreign filings have also increased steadily, signaling that Indonesia is gaining global recognition not only as a major consumer market but also as a jurisdiction with valuable IP infrastructure.   Why Indonesia Attracts Design Filings   One reason behind the steady interest in Indonesia’s Industrial Design system is its clear and straightforward protection regime. An industrial design in Indonesia is protected for a fixed term of 10 years from the filing date, without the need for renewals. While this duration is standard compared to many jurisdictions, it offers legal certainty for businesses during a product’s most commercially active years.   Combined with Indonesia’s growing consumer market and increasing awareness of IP enforcement, this makes the country an attractive destination for securing design rights, especially for fast-moving consumer goods, packaging, and lifestyle products.   When Copyright Is Not Enough   Creators in Indonesia often wonder whether their work should be protected under Copyright or Industrial Design. The distinction can be subtle but important.   Take Batik motifs used in modern fashion products as an example. While the motif itself may be protected by Copyright, if it’s applied to mass-produced products and serves a commercial, aesthetic function, Industrial Design registration might provide stronger and more enforceable protection.   The same applies to everyday consumer items: phone cases, kitchenware, footwear, automotive parts, or cosmetic packaging—if it looks unique, it should be protected.   Securing Design in Southeast Asia’s Largest Market   With over 270 million people, Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest consumer market. Any successful product design that hits the market is bound to be imitated. Without proper protection, you risk losing your product’s most valuable differentiator—its visual identity.   Registering your Industrial Design gives you exclusive rights to prevent others from using, selling, or reproducing the same or similar designs. It also provides a solid legal foundation for enforcement in case of infringement.   If you’re expanding into Southeast Asia and want to secure your product’s visual identity in one of its most dynamic markets, Industrial Design protection in Indonesia is a smart first step.   Book a free 15-minute call with a registered Industrial Design consultant:   ? E-Mail : [email protected] ? Book a Call : +62 21 83793812 ? WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889

Pengajuan Merek Indonesia Melalui Protokol Madrid Catat Rekor di 2024 - AFFA IPR

Pengajuan Merek Indonesia Melalui Protokol Madrid Catat Rekor di 2024

Penggunaan Madrid System — sistem internasional pendaftaran Merek yang dikelola oleh WIPO — terus menunjukkan tren positif secara global sepanjang 2024. Indonesia pun tidak ketinggalan menjadi bagian penting dari pertumbuhan ini, baik sebagai tujuan (designated country) maupun sebagai negara asal (country of origin) pengajuan Merek internasional.   Sepanjang 2024, Indonesia menerima 8.678 designasi internasional melalui sistem Madrid. Artinya, ribuan pemilik Merek global kini menargetkan Indonesia untuk memperluas perlindungan Hak Eksklusif mereka di pasar domestik yang strategis ini. Dibandingkan tahun sebelumnya, jumlah designasi ke Indonesia tumbuh sebesar +10,3% — sebuah peningkatan yang signifikan di kawasan Asia Tenggara. Indonesia bahkan masuk ke Top 20!   Bersama Vietnam (+11,2%), Thailand (+11%), dan Malaysia (+9,3%), Indonesia termasuk dalam negara tujuan dengan pertumbuhan permintaan perlindungan Merek tertinggi pada 2024. Hal ini mencerminkan persepsi pasar global terhadap daya tarik ekonomi dan pentingnya perlindungan Merek di Indonesia yang terus meningkat. Pengajuan Merek Asal Indonesia Juga Meningkat   Tak hanya diminati dari luar, pemilik Merek asal Indonesia juga semakin aktif memanfaatkan sistem Madrid untuk melindungi hak Merknya di berbagai negara. Pada 2024, tercatat 113 permohonan Madrid yang berasal dari pemohon di Indonesia, atau mengalami kenaikan +13% dibandingkan tahun sebelumnya   Pertumbuhan ini menunjukkan meningkatnya kesadaran pelaku usaha Indonesia — dari UMKM hingga korporasi besar — akan pentingnya mengamankan hak Merek di pasar internasional sejak awal ekspansi bisnis. Perlindungan Merek yang kuat di negara tujuan ekspor kini menjadi bagian dari strategi bisnis global perusahaan Indonesia. Dari 113 pengajuan tadi, sekitar 10%-nya diajukan melalui AFFA Intellectual Property Rights, konsultan Merek terdaftar yang sudah memiliki jaringan internasional. Sebagai konsultan Merek, AFFA IPR berpengalaman menangani pengajuan Madrid ke berbagai yurisdiksi utama dunia — mulai dari Amerika Serikat, Uni Eropa, Jepang, Tiongkok, ASEAN, hingga Timur Tengah dan Afrika — AFFA IPR terus berkomitmen menjadi mitra strategis Anda, pelaku bisnis Indonesia dalam memperluas perlindungan Merek internasional.   Baca juga: Pendaftaran Merek Internasional Lebih Murah dan Mudah Menggunakan Sistem Protokol Madrid Jika Anda membutuhkan informasi lebih lanjut terkait pendaftaran Merek internasional melalui Protokol Madrid, langsung hubungi kami melalui email [email protected].     Sumber: WIPO Madrid Yearly Review 2025

Indonesia Has a ‘First-to-File’ System. Here’s What That Really Means… - AFFA IPR

Indonesia Has a ‘First-to-File’ System. Here’s What That Really Means…

In Indonesia, Trademark rights belong to the party that files first, not necessarily to the party that used the mark first. This system is similar to many jurisdictions that adopt the first-to-file principle, although some countries, such as the United States, recognize first use.   This creates serious risks, especially for foreign brand owners who enter the market through local distributors or partners. In many cases, these local parties may file your Trademark under their own name, either as leverage or as a bad-faith attempt to block your market entry.   While Indonesia allows legal actions to challenge bad-faith filings, these processes can be costly, time-consuming, and uncertain. The best strategy remains simple and preventive: file your Trademark as early as possible — ideally before entering the market or appointing any local partners.   Want to stop your competitors or squatters from beating you to it? Book a free 15-minute call, and we will help you secure your Trademarks before anyone else does.   ? E-Mail : [email protected] ? Book a Call : +62 21 83793812 ? WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889

Why You Should File Your Trademark in Bahasa Indonesia? - AFFA IPR

Why You Should File Your Trademark in Bahasa Indonesia?

When you file your Trademark in a foreign country like Indonesia, the risk is not always direct copying. Often, local squatters will translate, transliterate, or adapt your Trademark into “Bahasa Indonesia” (Indonesian language) to create a confusingly similar version that still attracts your market, but is still conceptually similar or identical.   Indonesia’s Trademark Law recognizes both identical and confusingly similar marks as potential infringements. However, if you only file your Trademark in its original foreign language, it may leave the door open for others to secure rights over its Bahasa Indonesia version.   For instance, you have filed a Trademark for “ROSE” in Class 3 covering cosmetics. However, another party still has a chance to secure registration for “MAWAR” (the Indonesian translation of Rose) in the same class if the examiner is not careful enough to check conceptual similarity with your Trademark.   By filing your Trademark in Bahasa Indonesia from the start, you lock in both versions of your brand identity, making it much harder for local copycats to exploit translation loopholes.   Book a free 15-minute call, and we will help you protect both the original and local versions of your Trademarks in Indonesia — before someone else does.   ? E-Mail : [email protected] ? Book a Call : +62 21 83793812 ? WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889

Collaborative Search and Examination (CS&E) between IPOS and DGIP - AFFA IPR

Collaborative Search and Examination (CS&E) between IPOS and DGIP

For innovators and Patent Holders seeking faster and higher-quality Patent prosecution, the Collaborative Search & Examination (CS&E) program offers a promising opportunity. A first in ASEAN, the IP Offices of Singapore and Indonesia have committed to accelerating the search and examination processes for the applicants who file Patents in both countries. The program was launched on January 2, 2025, for an initial period of two years. It is unclear whether this will be extended for now.   What Is CS&E?   CS&E is an international pilot initiative where participating Patent offices, such as those in Singapore (Intellectual Property Office of Singapore) and Indonesia (Directorate General of Intellectual Property), conduct joint searches and examinations on the same PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application.   The result is a unified search and examination report that reflects insights from multiple jurisdictions, saving time, avoiding duplication, and improving quality.   Indonesia’s Role in CS&E   According to IPOS, Indonesia’s DGIP and IPOS share a combined quota for CS&E applications: Cap per year: 10 (shared by DGIP and IPOS) Cap per month: 1 (rollover allowed, up to max 2) Cap per applicant: 1 per month   This means that if you are entering the Indonesian national phase via PCT, and your application qualifies for CS&E, the DGIP may collaborate with IPOS to produce a joint search report, potentially accelerating your prosecution process.   Eligibility   Applicants who wish to take advantage of this program must meet the following criteria:   Appointment of local representative/address (i.e. registered IP agent/attorney). The application should contain 20 or fewer claims, including three or fewer independent claims. Adherence to the CS&E volume limit.   Key Features   Complimentary CS&E Request until 1 January 2027, but the fees for filing, search and examination should still be paid. Enhanced Prior Art Search and Examination Results.   How Can Applicants Benefit from CS&E in Indonesia or Singapore?   Accelerated First Office Action within 10 months. Prioritised Examination. Deferred Translation and Official Costs for Filing and/or Search and Examination.   You may request CS&E through IPOS or DGIP if: Your PCT application designates Indonesia and Singapore. You are within the quota (as above). You wish to leverage a unified search/exam result for faster decisions.   Want to explore CS&E or other Patent acceleration strategies in Indonesia? Contact us to book a free 15-minute consultation with our Patent Attorneys: ? E-Mail : [email protected] ? Book a Call : +62 21 83793812   Source: IPOS – Collaborative Search and Examination Programme Factsheet

PCT National Phase in Indonesia: Is the 31-Month Deadline a Hard Deadline? - AFFA IPR

PCT National Phase in Indonesia: Is the 31-Month Deadline a Hard Deadline?

If you are eyeing Indonesia for your PCT National Phase entry, you have likely heard about the 31-month rule, which is calculated from the earliest priority date.   But here is  the key question: “Miss the deadline — and you’re out?”   The answer is: Not necessarily.   Unlike some jurisdictions, Indonesia offers a second chance. The Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) accepts late entry, up to 12 months after the 31-month deadline, provided: You pay an additional official fee, and Submit a written explanation justifying the delay.   This flexibility helps businesses avoid losing rights over paperwork or timing errors, but the longer you wait, the greater the risk.   Our advice? Don’t cut it close. However, if you really have to, be aware of your options and the extra requirements.   Need to file a late PCT national phase in Indonesia — or avoid the mistake in the first place? Please do not hesitate to contact a registered Patent Attorney in Indonesia.   ? E-Mail : [email protected] ? Book a Call : +62 21 83793812

Trademark Oppositions: What Big Brands Are Doing Behind the Scenes - AFFA IPR

Trademark Oppositions: What Big Brands Are Doing Behind the Scenes

In Indonesia, the Trademark opposition window is only 2 months, but don’t let that short timeline fool you. For global companies and established brand owners, it’s one of the most powerful tools to block copycats before they ever reach the market.   Here’s how it works:   Every new Trademark application is published for public review for exactly two months. During this time, any party with a legal interest, especially those with prior filings in Indonesia, can oppose.   Miss this window, and your options shrink fast!   After the 2-month period, opposition is no longer possible. Your only remaining option is a court-based cancellation, which is more costly and time-consuming.   So what do big brands do?    They monitor new filings on a weekly basis and respond promptly. The goal? Stop bad-faith actors at the earliest stage, when it’s faster, cheaper, and more likely to succeed.   The catch?   To win, you usually need an existing application or registration in Indonesia. The sooner you file, the stronger your legal standing to oppose.   Want to monitor all new Trademark filings that may threaten your brand? Let us handle it.   Book a free 15-minute call, and we’ll show you how smart oppositions keep global brands safe in Indonesia.   ? E-Mail : [email protected] ? Book a Call : +62 21 83793812

Trademark Squatting in Indonesia: Real or Hype? - AFFA IPR

Trademark Squatting in Indonesia: Real or Hype?

Spoiler: It’s real — and surprisingly common.   Trademark squatting is not just a scary headline. It frequently occurs in Indonesia, particularly in fast-moving consumer sectors such as beauty, fashion, and F&B. Both local and foreign parties rush to register brands that do not actually belong to them, hoping to profit when the rightful owner enters the market.   But here is the good news:  Most squatters lose — if challenged strategically and in time.   However, this requires you to complete your “homework” before we can fight the squatter before the Court of Commerce in Indonesia, such as:   At least 5 Trademark registrations filed overseas before the squatter(s) filed the same Mark in Indonesia. The more registrations there is, the better. Evidence of use overseas by your company. If possible, any leads or evidence that suggest the squatter(s) had past interactions with your company (i.e., asking for license or distribution rights).   Indonesia’s Trademark Law allows oppositions at the Trademark Office stage and cancellations based on bad faith at the Court of Commerce stage. However, cautions and preparations are needed before you can pursue your rights in this case.   Avoid the squat trap, email or book a free 15-minute call with us — let’s make sure your Trademark stays yours!   📩 E-Mail : [email protected] 📞 Book a Call : +62 21 83793812 💬 WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889

Cara Membayar Biaya Tahunan Paten di Indonesia Jika Pemilik Paten adalah Warga Negara atau Badan Hukum Asing - AFFA IPR

Cara Membayar Biaya Tahunan Paten di Indonesia Jika Pemilik Paten adalah Warga Negara atau Badan Hukum Asing

Bagi pemilik Paten asing—baik perorangan maupun badan hukum—melakukan pembayaran Biaya Tahunan Paten di Indonesia membutuhkan perhatian khusus agar selaras dengan ketentuan hukum yang berlaku. Berdasarkan Undang-Undang Paten terbaru (UU No. 65 Tahun 2024), Pemohon atau Pemegang Paten yang bukan warga negara atau tidak berdomisili tetap di wilayah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia, tidak diperkenankan melakukan pengurusan langsung ke Direktorat Jenderal Kekayaan Intelektual (DJKI), termasuk untuk pembayaran Biaya Tahunan. Untuk itu, mereka diwajibkan secara hukum untuk menunjuk atau memberikan kuasa kepada Konsultan Kekayaan Intelektual yang terdaftar di Indonesia.   Dasar Hukum: Pasal 28 UU Paten No. 65 Tahun 2024   “Permohonan yang diajukan oleh Pemohon yang tidak bertempat tinggal atau tidak berkedudukan tetap di wilayah Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia harus diajukan melalui Kuasa. Pemohon sebagaimana dimaksud pada ayat (1) wajib menyatakan dan memilih alamat Kuasa sebagai domisili hukum di Indonesia.”   Ketentuan ini tidak hanya berlaku pada saat pengajuan permohonan pendaftaran Paten, tapi juga pada setiap proses lanjutan yang berkaitan dengan Paten tersebut—termasuk pembayaran Biaya Tahunan.   Mengapa Harus Menggunakan Konsultan Indonesia?   Tujuan dari kewajiban penunjukan kuasa dan pemilihan domisili hukum di Indonesia adalah untuk menghindari hambatan pelayanan akibat jarak geografis dan waktu tempuh. Sebagaimana dijelaskan dalam penjelasan pasal terkait: “Penunjukan kuasa dan domisili hukum di Indonesia dimaksudkan agar pelayanan tidak terhambat akibat jarak dan waktu tempuh.”   Secara praktik, ini berarti meskipun pemegang Paten asing ingin melakukan pembayaran Biaya Tahunan tepat waktu, DJKI tidak akan menerima pembayaran tersebut kecuali dilakukan melalui Konsultan KI resmi di Indonesia.   Apa Konsekuensinya Jika Membayar Tanpa Kuasa?   Jika pembayaran dilakukan tanpa menunjuk Konsultan KI resmi, maka: Pembayaran dianggap tidak sah dan tidak akan diproses oleh DJKI; Status hukum Paten dapat menjadi tidak aman, terutama jika tenggat waktu terlewat; dan Pemegang hak dapat kehilangan hak atas Paten jika kewajiban pembayaran tidak dipenuhi melalui saluran resmi.   Bagaimana Caranya Menunjuk Kuasa di Indonesia?   Untuk mematuhi ketentuan hukum di Indonesia, pemilik Paten asing harus: Menandatangani Surat Kuasa, yang memberikan wewenang kepada Konsultan KI terdaftar di Indonesia; Menyampaikan data dan informasi yang diperlukan, termasuk domisili hukum melalui kuasa tersebut; Berkoordinasi dengan Konsultan KI untuk memantau tenggat waktu dan memastikan pembayaran Biaya Tahunan dilakukan sesuai aturan.   Bagi pemilik Paten asing, menunjuk Konsultan Kekayaan Intelektual di Indonesia bukan hanya untuk memudahkan, tapi telah menjadi kewajiban hukum. Dengan menunjuk kuasa yang sah, Anda: Memastikan kepatuhan hukum terhadap undang-undang yang berlaku di Indonesia; Menghindari risiko administratif dan kehilangan hak; dan Menjaga agar hak Paten Anda tetap terlindungi dan berlaku secara sah di Indonesia. Jika Anda membutuhkan informasi lebih lanjut terkait pembayaran Biaya Tahunan Paten atau ingin menunjuk Konsultan KI resmi, langsung hubungi kami melalui emai [email protected].

Panduan Lengkap Daftar Merek di Italia untuk Pebisnis Indonesia - AFFA IPR

Panduan Lengkap Daftar Merek di Italia untuk Pebisnis Indonesia

Italia tidak hanya dikenal sebagai pusat mode dan desain dunia, tetapi juga salah satu mitra dagang utama Indonesia di Eropa. Pada tahun 2023, nilai perdagangan bilateral antara Indonesia dan Italia mencapai sekitar €3,9 miliar, menjadikan Italia sebagai mitra dagang terbesar ketiga Indonesia di Uni Eropa setelah Jerman dan Belanda. Produk-produk unggulan Indonesia seperti minyak kelapa sawit, karet alam, alas kaki, tekstil, kopi, dan rempah-rempah memiliki permintaan tinggi di pasar Italia.   Dengan potensi pasar yang besar dan hubungan dagang yang terus berkembang, Italia menawarkan peluang strategis bagi pelaku usaha Indonesia untuk memperluas jangkauan bisnisnya di Eropa. Mendaftarkan Merek secara resmi di Italia menjadi langkah penting untuk melindungi identitas bisnis dan membangun kepercayaan konsumen di pasar internasional.   Merek yang Dapat Didaftarkan di Italia   Di Italia, pendaftaran Merek tunduk pada peraturan yang berlaku di tingkat nasional maupun Uni Eropa. Adapun jenis Merek yang dapat didaftarkan adalah:   Kata (Word Mark) Logo (Figurative Mark) Gabungan Kata & Logo (Word & Figurative) Merek Pola (Pattern Mark) Merek Tiga Dimensi Merek Suara Merek Warna   Namun, Merek Non-Tradisional seperti aroma atau rasa masih belum dapat didaftarkan, karena keterbatasan teknis dalam representasi grafis.   Merek yang Tidak Dapat Didaftarkan   Merek Anda berpotensi ditolak jika: Bersifat deskriptif atau generik. Menyesatkan publik. Bertentangan dengan ketertiban umum atau moralitas. Menyerupai lambang negara atau organisasi internasional. Sama atau mirip dengan Merek yang sudah terdaftar. Memiliki kemiripan atau sama dengan kota tertentu.   Ke Mana Pendaftaran Merek-nya Diajukan?   Pendaftaran Merek dapat dilakukan melalui: Ufficio Italiano Brevetti e Marchi (UIBM) untuk perlindungan di wilayah Italia saja. European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) untuk perlindungan di seluruh negara anggota Uni Eropa.   Walaupun pebisnis Indonesia dapat mengajukan langsung ke UIBM, namun sangat disarankan untuk menggunakan jasa Konsultan Merek terpercaya yang memahami prosedur dan bahasa hukum di Italia.   Syarat Pendaftaran Merek   Untuk mendaftarkan Merek di Italia, dokumen yang dibutuhkan adalah: Formulir Permohonan Representasi Merek Daftar Kelas Barang/Jasa  Bukti Pembayaran Surat Kuasa   Rincian Proses dan Estimasi Waktu   Berikut adalah tahapan dalam proses pendaftaran Merek di Italia: Pengajuan Permohonan (1-2 minggu) Diajukan ke UIBM secara daring atau melalui konsultan. Pemeriksaan Formal dan Substantif (± 3 bulan) Pemeriksaan administrasi dan konflik dengan Merek yang sudah ada. Publikasi (3 bulan) Merek akan dipublikasikan dalam “Official Bulletin.” Penerbitan Sertifikat (2 bulan) Jika tidak ada oposisi, sertifikat diterbitkan.   Total estimasi waktu: 6–9 bulan jika tidak ada keberatan atau gugatan dari pihak ketiga.   Masa Berlaku dan Perpanjangan   Merek yang terdaftar akan berlaku dan terlindungi selama 10 tahun sejak tanggal pengajuan. Perpanjangan dapat dilakukan 6 bulan sebelum tanggal perlindungan berakhir. Namun tersedia masa tenggang untuk perpanjangan selama 6 bulan setelah jatuh tempo, dengan dikenakan biaya tambahan. Jika Anda membutuhkan informasi lebih lanjut terkait perlindungan dan pendaftaran Merek di Italia, langsung hubungi kami melalui email [email protected].