The National Parliament of Timor-Leste unanimously approved the Industrial Property Code Bill on September 22, 2026. This approval marks a significant milestone in establishing a more comprehensive Intellectual Property protection system and opens new opportunities for businesses and investors in Timor-Leste.
The Government-sponsored Bill No. 18/VI (2.ª) received 49 votes in favor, with no votes against and no abstentions in the Parliament’s final vote.
What Intellectual Property Rights Will Be Protected?
The Industrial Property Code is designed to establish a dedicated legal framework for protecting various Intellectual Property assets, particularly:
- Trademarks, to protect the identity of goods and services in commercial activities;
- Patents, to protect inventions and technological innovations;
- Industrial Designs, to protect the visual appearance of products; and
- Geographical Indications, to protect products whose characteristics or reputation are associated with their geographical origin.
This legal framework will complement Timor-Leste’s existing Intellectual Property system, which already protects Copyright and Related Rights under Law No. 14/2022 of December 21, 2022.
Supporting International Trade and Investment
The establishment of the Industrial Property Code forms part of Timor-Leste’s efforts to align its national legislation with international standards, including the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, as well as its commitments to ASEAN integration.
For Indonesian and international companies planning to enter the Timor-Leste market, this development is expected to enhance legal certainty in business expansion, technology utilization, and the protection of commercial identities.
A more structured Industrial Property protection system is also expected to provide Trademark Owners and inventors with clearer legal mechanisms to safeguard their Intellectual Property assets.
When Will Trademark and Patent Registration Become Available?
Although the Industrial Property Code Bill has received approval from the National Parliament, it must still complete the necessary constitutional procedures and be officially published before its provisions can enter into force in accordance with applicable law.
The Government of Timor-Leste is also preparing implementing regulations, administrative procedures, human resources, and the establishment of an institution responsible for Industrial Property administration.
These preparations are being carried out in cooperation with several international organizations, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and the Danish Patent and Trademark Office.
Businesses should therefore continue monitoring the Code’s promulgation and the readiness of the administrative system before proceeding with registrations under the new framework.
How Can AFFA Assist?
As an Intellectual Property law firm serving clients in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and other international markets, AFFA Intellectual Property Rights welcomes this significant regulatory development.
AFFA is ready to assist Indonesian and international businesses in understanding regulatory developments, developing appropriate Intellectual Property protection strategies, and preparing for Trademark, Patent, and Industrial Design registrations in Timor-Leste in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Should you need further information regarding Intellectual Property protection in Timor-Leste, contact us through any of the following channels and receive a FREE 15-minute consultation:
📩 E-Mail : [email protected]
📳 Book a Call : +62 21 83793812
💬 WhatsApp : +62 812 87000 889
Source:
– Governo de Timor Leste
About AFFA:
Established in 1999, AFFA Intellectual Property Rights is an Indonesia-based boutique IP law firm serving international brands and innovators, offering full-service support—from prosecution and licensing to enforcement and commercialization—in Indonesia’s dynamic IP landscape. Our firm is widely recognized for its excellence, with accolades including “Best Boutique Law Firm in Indonesia” and “IP Enforcement Firm” at the Indonesia Law Firm Awards 2025 by Asia Business Law Journal, as well as being listed as a “Recommended Firm 2024 — Indonesia” by WTR 1000: The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals.
