![[Policy Insight] Free from Tariffs for U.S. Brands to Indonesia — Why Trademark Protection Is Your First Move - AFFA IPR](https://affa.co.id/global/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/landscape-2-1-650x366.jpg "policy-insight-free-from-tariffs-for-us-brands-to-indonesia-why-trademark-protection-is-your-first-move-affa")
A new trade agreement between the United States and Indonesia, announced by President Donald J. Trump, marks a turning point for U.S. businesses eyeing Southeast Asia. The key highlights: Full market access for U.S. goods—no tariffs, no non-tariff barriers. Indonesia commits to purchasing $15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion in agricultural goods, and…
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) has achieved a remarkable milestone over the past decade. According to a report delivered by the Director General of Intellectual Property, Razilu, a total of 1,738,573 Intellectual Property (IP) applications were filed between 2015 and 2024. “This is a monumental figure that reflects the extraordinary enthusiasm of the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
In Indonesia, the procedure for renewing a Trademark is governed by Law No. 20 of 2016 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications (“Trademark Law”). According to this regulation, a registered Trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and may be renewed within 6 months prior to its expiration date, and up to 6…
Action figure communities in Indonesia have recently been shaken by a wave of takedowns on popular products across e-commerce platforms. Not only unofficial sellers like casual collectors were affected, but even official resellers who had followed the “white list” registration procedures were hit. The trigger? An official notice from the Trademark Holder (a licensed distributor…
Registering a Trademark in Bali, Indonesia, is an essential step for any foreign business looking to enter or expand within the island’s vibrant market. As one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned tourism destinations and a hub for creative industries, Bali offers significant commercial opportunities, particularly in sectors like hospitality, food and beverage, fashion, and handicrafts.…
Have you ever found products imitating your Trademark being sold on the market without your permission? Or even worse—your Trademark suddenly being registered by someone else? Unfortunately, such incidents still frequently occur in Indonesia. Our country has once again been placed on the “Watch List” in the 2025 Special 301 Report released by the United…