Although certain rights may arise from use, registering a trademark in Indonesia is strongly recommended if you want full, enforceable ownership of your brand name, business name, product name, logo, label, or packaging. Indonesia is a “first-to-file” jurisdiction, meaning you only secure trademark rights once your mark is officially registered. Only in very exceptional cases can a well-known mark obtain protection without prior filing.
A registered trademark in Indonesia provides:
- Exclusive nationwide rights
- A significantly stronger legal position against infringement
- Proof of ownership for marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and social networks
- Increased consumer trust and brand credibility
- Long-term protection as your business expands in Southeast Asia and internationally
Trademark applications must be filed with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights. Indonesia is also a member of the Madrid Protocol, which means you can extend an international application to Indonesia via the Madrid System.
A trademark does not need to be in use to be filed or registered in Indonesia. However, once registered, it must be used within three (3) years from the registration date; otherwise, it becomes vulnerable to non-use cancellation actions or expungement by the trademarks office.
If you register a combined trademark (word + logo), your exclusive rights apply only to the exact configuration that is filed and registered. If you intend to use the word and figurative elements separately, it is advisable to file additional trademarks to protect each version independently.
If you require a figurative or logo search as part of your brand clearance, contact us so we can confirm the availability of this service for Indonesia—fees and timelines may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
Finally, note that a trademark registered in Indonesia does not grant protection in East Timor, as both systems operate independently.
For businesses operating in Southeast Asia or planning international expansion, brand registration in Indonesia is a critical element of a solid, forward-looking protection strategy.