Indonesia has introduced a new framework for trademark registration, bringing changes to how businesses apply for, publish and obtain trademark protection. Minister of Law Regulation No. 5 of 2026 on Trademark Registration (“MOL Regulation No. 5/2026”) was issued on 13 January 2026 and took effect on 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. It brings the trademark registration process into a more consolidated framework, with defined timelines for document review, publication, opposition, substantive examination and certificate issuance.
For companies launching brands, entering the Indonesian market or expanding an existing portfolio, understanding these changes can help make the registration process more predictable and reduce avoidable administrative issues.
What Is a Trademark in Indonesia?
A trademark is a distinctive sign that identifies and differentiates the goods or services of one business from those of another. It may take the form of a name, logo or other distinctive element associated with a particular business or offering.
For businesses operating in Indonesia, a trademark is more than a branding asset. It forms part of a company’s intellectual property and can support the commercial identity of its products or services.
Registration provides the owner with legal rights over the trademark in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered. This makes trademark registration an important consideration for businesses before investing heavily in marketing, distribution and brand development.
Why Is Trademark Registration Important for Businesses?
Building a brand requires investment. From packaging and advertising to digital marketing and customer acquisition, businesses can spend considerable resources establishing recognition in the market.
Trademark registration can provide a stronger legal foundation for that investment.
Trademark Protection in Indonesia
A registered trademark can help protect a business against unauthorised use of its mark and strengthen its position if a trademark dispute arises.
For foreign investors and international businesses entering Indonesia, early registration can also form part of a wider market-entry strategy. Protecting the brand alongside company establishment, licensing and commercial operations can help businesses build their Indonesian presence with greater legal certainty.
What Has Changed Under MOL Regulation No. 5/2026?
One of the notable features of the new regulation is its more clearly defined processing framework.
Applications can be submitted electronically through the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) website. Applications may also be submitted non-electronically through a DGIP service counter or regional office, where officers can assist applicants with submission through the official online system.
The process then moves through several stages.
1. Document Examination
The completeness of an application must be examined within 15 working days from the Official Filing Date (Tanggal Penerimaan).
2. Deficiency Notice
If documents are incomplete, the Ministry of Law must notify the applicant within 30 working days from the Official Filing Date.
Applicants have two months from the date the notice is dispatched to provide the missing documents. Failure to complete the application within this period may result in the application being deemed withdrawn.
3. Publication
The application must be published in the Official Trademark Gazette within 15 working days from the Official Filing Date.
The publication period runs for two months, allowing third parties an opportunity to raise an opposition.
4. Opposition
During the publication period, third parties may submit a written opposition if they believe the trademark should not be registered or should be refused under applicable laws and regulations.
The opposition must be supported by relevant reasons and evidence. Submissions made after the publication period has ended will not be processed.
5. Counterstatement
Where 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.
This provides the applicant with an opportunity to respond to the grounds raised by the opposing party.
6. Substantive Examination
Where there is no opposition, substantive examination begins after the publication period and must be completed within 30 working days.
Where an opposition has been filed, substantive examination begins within 30 working days after the counterstatement period expires and must be completed within 90 working days.
If the application passes substantive examination, the Minister registers the trademark, notifies the applicant, issues the trademark certificate electronically and publishes the registration in the Official Trademark Gazette.
Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Indonesia
Preparing the correct documentation is an important part of the application process.
A trademark application generally requires:
- A declaration of trademark ownership;
- Valid identification documents for the applicant; and
- A power of attorney where an authorised intellectual property consultant submits the application.
Where the applicant is a legal entity, documents confirming its establishment or amendments to its legal-entity particulars must also be provided.
Additional Requirements for Micro and Small Enterprises
Applicants applying under the micro or small enterprise category must provide recognised evidence of their status, such as:
- A recommendation letter confirming micro or small enterprise status;
- A risk-based business licence 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 trademark applications may also require additional documents. For example, priority claims require supporting evidence and a sworn Indonesian translation, while applications for sound marks require a sound recording.
How Does the Trademark Registration Process Work?
The process begins with identifying the trademark and determining the relevant goods or services to be covered.
The application is then submitted to the DGIP with the required documentation. Once the application passes the completeness examination, it moves to publication, opening a period during which third parties can submit an opposition.
If there is no opposition, the application proceeds to substantive examination. Where an opposition has been submitted, the applicant can respond through a counterstatement before substantive examination takes place.
Once approved, the trademark is registered and the certificate is issued electronically.
For businesses, careful preparation at the application stage can be particularly valuable. Errors involving the trademark itself, applicant details or classification of goods and services can create unnecessary complications later in the process.
Trademark Renewal in Indonesia
Trademark protection requires ongoing attention. Businesses should monitor the validity of their registered trademarks and prepare for renewal within the applicable period.
Companies with multiple brands should maintain a central record of their registrations, including registration dates, covered goods or services and renewal deadlines.
Protect Your Brand Before You Build It: Register Your Trademark with Lets Move Indonesia
Your brand is an investment. Protecting it should be part of the plan from the start.
Contact Lets Move Indonesia to discuss your trademark registration requirements and explore the appropriate support for establishing and protecting your business in Indonesia.
Speak with our consultants today and claim your complimentary one-hour consultation.
