Trademark Indonesia: Registration and Protection for International Businesses

If your business is entering the Indonesian market, registering your trademark locally should be part of your market-entry strategy. A trademark registered overseas does not automatically provide protection in Indonesia because trademark rights are territorial. Indonesia also follows a first-to-file system, meaning protection generally goes to the party that first files the mark in good faith.

For international businesses, filing early can help prevent another party from securing a similar mark before you establish your brand in Indonesia.

Is Your Overseas Trademark Protected in Indonesia?

No. Trademark protection is territorial, so a registration in Singapore, the United States, the European Union, or another jurisdiction does not by itself create trademark rights in Indonesia.

This makes early filing particularly important for foreign businesses planning to launch products, establish distribution channels, license their brands, or expand operations in Indonesia.

Before filing, businesses should also conduct a trademark search. The goal is not simply to find an identical mark, but to identify potentially conflicting marks in relevant classes and goods or services. A search can reveal risks that may otherwise lead to refusal or opposition later.

How to Register a Trademark in Indonesia

Trademark registration is filed with the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP). The main steps include:

1. Conduct a trademark search to identify potential conflicts.
2. Determine the appropriate Nice Classification for the goods or services covered by the mark.
3. Prepare the application and supporting documents, including information about the applicant and trademark.
4. File the application with DGIP and pay the applicable official fee.
5. Undergo examination and publication, during which the application may be subject to objections or opposition.
6. Complete registration if the application satisfies the applicable requirements.

Indonesia’s trademark registration framework was updated by Minister of Law Regulation No. 5 of 2026, which took effect on February 23, 2026. The regulation introduces updated administrative requirements and accelerates substantive examination.

What Do Foreign Businesses Need to Prepare?

Foreign applicants should pay particular attention to documentation before filing. Under the 2026 framework, applicants domiciled outside Indonesia have specific documentation requirements, including corporate documents for foreign companies. Depending on the applicant and filing circumstances, documents may need to be legalized and accompanied by sworn Indonesian translations.

The application should also accurately identify the trademark owner and the goods or services covered. Choosing the right classes is important because trademark protection is tied to the goods and services specified in the registration.

Getting these details right at the filing stage can reduce administrative issues and help avoid unnecessary delays.

How Much Does Trademark Registration in Indonesia Cost?

For a standard application, the official DGIP filing fee is currently IDR 1,800,000 per class for general applicants. The fee for eligible micro and small businesses is IDR 500,000 per class. Professional fees for trademark searches, filing assistance, prosecution, or other services are separate.

The number of classes therefore directly affects the official filing cost. Businesses should determine their current and planned goods or services before deciding which classes to file.

Protect Your Trademark in Indonesia with AMR Partnership

Trademark registration is only one part of protecting a brand in Indonesia. Businesses may also need trademark searches, monitoring, opposition, renewal, licensing, or enforcement support as their operations develop.

AMR Partnership is an Indonesian intellectual property law firm established in 1986, with experience handling more than 135,000 trademarks. The firm serves both local and global clients and provides customized IP solutions. AMR’s trademark practice is led by a dedicated Trademark, Copyright, Industrial Design and PVP division, and the firm is a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA).

Whether you are preparing your first Indonesian trademark filing or managing an international trademark portfolio, AMR Partnership can assist with registration and broader trademark protection in Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Indonesia a first-to-file trademark country?
Yes. Indonesia follows a first-to-file system, so trademark rights generally arise through registration by the party that files first in good faith.

2. Can a foreign company register a trademark in Indonesia?
Yes. Foreign businesses can seek trademark protection in Indonesia, subject to the applicable filing and documentation requirements.

3. How long does trademark registration take in Indonesia?
The timeline depends on the application and whether objections or refusals arise. Under the 2026 framework, substantive examination is generally conducted within 30 days, with up to 90 calendar days where a proposed refusal occurs.

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