Indonesia’s trademark registration framework has been updated with the introduction of Minister of Law Regulation No. 5 of 2026 on Trademark Registration (“MOL Regulation No. 5/2026”). Issued on 13 January 2026 and effective from 23 February 2026, the regulation replaces Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 67 of 2016, as amended by Regulation No. 12 of 2021.
The new regulation consolidates the procedures for trademark applications, publication, substantive examination and the issuance of trademark certificates. For businesses seeking to establish or strengthen their presence in Indonesia, the changes provide clearer procedures, defined processing timelines and more detailed documentary requirements.
What Is a Trademark in Indonesia?
A trademark is a distinctive sign used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another. It can form an important part of a company’s commercial identity, particularly when building a brand in a competitive market.
Under Indonesia’s trademark law, registering a trademark provides the owner with legal rights over the registered mark for the relevant goods or services. This makes trademark registration an important consideration for businesses introducing a new brand, product or service in Indonesia.
Why Do You Need Trademark Registration in Indonesia?
For businesses operating in Indonesia, a brand can represent significant commercial value. Registering a trademark helps establish legal protection around that brand and can provide greater certainty when using it commercially.
Trademark Protection
Trademark protection in Indonesia is particularly important for businesses that plan to market goods or services under a specific name, logo or other distinctive mark.
A registered trademark can help businesses protect their brand from unauthorised use and strengthen their legal position and exclusive rights if disputes arise. It also provides a clearer basis for managing and developing intellectual property as the business expands.
For foreign investors entering the Indonesian market, registering a trademark early can therefore form part of a wider strategy for protecting intellectual property and establishing a sustainable local presence.
Clearer Timelines for the Trademark Registration Process in Indonesia
One of the key features of MOL Regulation No. 5/2026 is the introduction of clearer timelines throughout the trademark registration process.
A trademark application can be submitted electronically through the official website of the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP), or non-electronically through a DGIP service counter or regional office, where officers can assist with submission through the official online system.
Document examination
The completeness of the application documents must be examined within 15 working days from the Official Filing Date (Tanggal Penerimaan).
Deficiency notice
If documents are incomplete, the Ministry of Law must notify the applicant within 30 working days from the Official Filing Date. The applicant then has two months from the date the notice is dispatched to provide the missing documents. If the documents are not completed within this period, the application may be deemed withdrawn.
Publication
The Ministry will publish the application in the Official Trademark Gazette within 15 working days from the Official Filing Date. The publication period lasts for two months.
Opposition
During publication, third parties may submit a written opposition, supported by reasons and evidence explaining why the trademark should not be registered or should be refused under applicable laws and regulations.
Counterstatement
If an opposition is filed, the applicant has two months from the date the Ministry sends a copy of the opposition to submit a written counterstatement.
Substantive examination
Where no opposition is filed, substantive examination begins after the publication period and must be completed within 30 working days. Where an opposition is filed, examination must begin within 30 working days after the counterstatement period expires and must be completed within 90 working days.
If the trademark passes substantive examination, the Minister will register the trademark, notify the applicant, issue the trademark certificate electronically and publish the registration in the Official Trademark Gazette.
Required Documents for Indonesia Trademark Registration
Applicants must prepare the documents required under MOL Regulation No. 5/2026 as part of the registration process.
A trademark application must include a declaration of trademark ownership and valid identification documents for the applicant. Where an authorised intellectual property consultant submits the application, a power of attorney is also required.
For legal entities, additional documentation confirming the establishment or amendments to the legal entity’s particulars must be provided.
Applicants applying under the micro or small enterprise category must also provide one of the recognised documents confirming their status, such as:
- A recommendation letter confirming micro or small enterprise status;
- A risk-based business licence for a micro or small enterprise registered through the Online Single Submission (OSS) system;
- A certificate confirming the establishment of an individual limited liability company (Perseroan Perorangan); or
- Approval establishing a Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih as a legal entity.
Certain applications may require additional documentation. For example, priority claims require supporting evidence and a sworn Indonesian translation, while applications for sound marks require a sound recording.
Trademark Application Process in Indonesia
The trademark registration process involves more than simply submitting an application. Applicants should first determine the trademark they intend to register and identify the relevant goods or services covered by the application.
The application is then submitted to the DGIP with the required documentation. After the completeness examination, the application proceeds to publication, during which third parties may raise an opposition.
If no opposition is filed, the application proceeds to substantive examination. If an opposition is filed, the applicant can respond through a written counterstatement before substantive examination takes place.
Once the trademark is approved, the Ministry registers the mark and issues the trademark certificate electronically.
For businesses, preparing the application correctly from the beginning can help reduce avoidable delays and ensure that the trademark, applicant details and relevant goods or services are properly presented.
Trademark Renewal in Indonesia
Trademark protection does not end with the initial registration. Owners should also monitor the validity period of their registered trademarks and prepare for renewal within the applicable timeframe.
Businesses with multiple brands or registrations should maintain an organised record of their trademarks, including registration dates, relevant goods or services and renewal deadlines. This can help prevent a valuable trademark from being overlooked as the business grows.
Register a Trademark in Indonesia with LMI Consultancy
For foreign investors and businesses entering Indonesia, trademark registration is essential to consider alongside broader market-entry and business establishment planning. A registered trademark can provide an important layer of trademark protection in Indonesia, helping businesses safeguard their brands as they develop locally.
LMI Consultancy can assist businesses with the registration process in Indonesia, including preparing the necessary documentation and navigating the applicable requirements under Indonesian trademark law.
Ready to register your trademark?
Contact LMI Consultancy to discuss your Indonesia trademark registration requirements and how to strengthen your legal protection in the Indonesian market.
