How to Apply for a Trademark in Indonesia: Requirements, Process, and Costs

For foreign businesses planning to enter or expand into the Indonesian market, applying for a trademark early is an important step in securing rights to their brand. A trademark registered in another country does not automatically provide protection in Indonesia because trademark rights are territorial. Indonesia also follows a first-to-file principle, meaning the party that files first in good faith generally obtains protection.

Before launching products or services in Indonesia, businesses should therefore ensure that their mark is registrable and does not conflict with an earlier trademark.

Who Can Apply for a Trademark in Indonesia?

Trademark applications can be filed by individuals and businesses, including foreign companies seeking trademark protection in Indonesia.

Before filing, the mark must meet the applicable registration requirements and must not fall within the grounds for refusal under Indonesian trademark law. Key considerations include:

The mark has distinctive character.
The mark does not mislead the public about the origin, quality, or characteristics of the goods or services.
The mark does not conflict with applicable laws, morality, or public order.
The mark does not have similarities with an earlier registered trademark for relevant goods or services.

For foreign applicants, document and representation requirements should also be considered before submitting the application.

What Should You Prepare Before Applying?

Proper preparation can help reduce the risk of refusal or administrative issues during the registration process. Businesses should consider the following:

1. Conduct a trademark search

Search for identical or similar marks to the one you intend to register. The search should not be limited to identical names but should also consider similarities across relevant classes and related goods or services.

2. Determine the appropriate goods or services classes

Indonesia uses the Nice Classification. The selected classes should correspond to the goods or services currently offered or planned by the business.

3. Prepare applicant information

Information about the trademark owner should accurately reflect the individual or legal entity that will hold the trademark rights.

4. Prepare the trademark representation and supporting documents

Documents may include the trademark representation, Power of Attorney, and other materials required based on the applicant’s status and filing circumstances.

For foreign companies, certain documents may require legalization and sworn Indonesian translations, depending on the applicable requirements.

How to Apply for a Trademark in Indonesia

Trademark applications are filed with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP). The process generally includes:

Conduct a trademark clearance search to identify potential conflicts.
Determine the relevant classes and goods or services to be protected.
Prepare the application and supporting documents.
File the application with DGIP and pay the applicable official fee.
Undergo examination to assess whether the application meets the registration requirements.
Publication of the application, allowing third parties to submit objections through the applicable mechanism.
Trademark registration if there are no obstacles preventing the mark from being registered.

The process was updated through Minister of Law Regulation No. 5 of 2026, which took effect on February 23, 2026. One significant change is the acceleration of substantive examination to 30 days, or up to 90 calendar days where a proposed refusal is issued.

For foreign businesses, understanding these stages early can help determine an appropriate filing strategy and anticipate potential issues during examination.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Trademark in Indonesia?

Official trademark filing fees in Indonesia are calculated per class. For general applicants, the current official fee is IDR 1,800,000 per class, while eligible micro and small businesses are charged IDR 500,000 per class.

However, official fees are not necessarily the total cost a business will incur. Applicants may require additional services such as:

Trademark search
Filing and prosecution assistance
Handling objections or refusals
Opposition
Renewal or recordals

The number of classes and level of professional assistance required should therefore be considered when preparing a trademark registration budget.

Apply for a Trademark in Indonesia with AMR Partnership

For international businesses, trademark registration involves more than submitting an application. Class selection, clearance searches, documentation, and strategies for addressing potential conflicts can all affect the strength of trademark protection in the long term.

AMR Partnership is an intellectual property law firm established in 1986 and has handled more than 135,000 trademarks. AMR serves both local and global clients and provides solutions tailored to each client’s needs.

AMR has a dedicated Trademark, Copyright, Industrial Design and PVP division and is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA).

AMR Partnership can assist international businesses with trademark searches and applications through prosecution, monitoring, opposition, and renewal in Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register a trademark in Indonesia?
Start by conducting a trademark search, selecting the appropriate classes, preparing the required documents, and filing the application with DGIP for examination and publication.

2. How much does it cost to register a trademark in Indonesia?
The official fee for general applicants is IDR 1,800,000 per class. Professional fees for additional services such as searches or prosecution are charged separately.

3. Is Indonesia a first-to-file trademark country?
Yes. Indonesia follows a first-to-file principle, making filing timing important for businesses seeking to secure their trademarks in Indonesia.