Trademark Registration Procedure in Indonesia 2026 for Foreign Businesses

Indonesia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive markets, with more than 155,000 trademark applications filed in 2024 and growing foreign participation. For businesses planning to enter Indonesia, understanding the Trademark Registration Procedure in Indonesia is essential because the country follows a first-to-file system, meaning trademark rights generally belong to whoever files first, not necessarily the first user.

Why Trademark Registration Matters Before Entering Indonesia

Many businesses focus on product launches, distributors, or marketing before securing trademark protection. However, Indonesia applies a first-to-file principle. In practical terms, if another party registers your brand first, recovering those rights can become costly and time-consuming.

This is particularly important for companies expanding from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, or other international markets into Indonesia. Registering a trademark early helps reduce legal risks, protect brand value, and support long-term business growth.

According to data published by the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP), Indonesia processed more than 155,000 trademark applications in 2024, while foreign trademark filings also increased compared to previous years. This reflects growing international interest in securing trademark protection before entering the Indonesian market.

What’s New for Trademark Registration in Indonesia in 2026?

Indonesia introduced significant changes through Minister of Law Regulation No. 5 of 2026, which replaced the previous trademark registration regulation and aims to streamline the registration process. Sources: Ministry of Law Regulation No. 5 of 2026, legal updates published by international law firms and IP practitioners in 2026.

Key updates include:

• Faster substantive examination timelines
• Updated documentary requirements
• Force majeure extensions for certain filing deadlines
• Clearer procedures for transferring pending trademark applications
• Faster issuance of official trademark extracts and renewals

These reforms are designed to improve efficiency and provide greater certainty for trademark owners.

Trademark Registration Procedure in Indonesia

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

Before filing, businesses should check whether similar trademarks already exist. A search can help identify potential conflicts and reduce the risk of rejection.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Common requirements include:

• Trademark specimen (word mark or logo)
• Applicant information
• Goods and services classification
• Trademark ownership declaration
• Power of Attorney (for representative filings)
• Priority documents and sworn translations (if claiming priority rights)

Additional supporting documents may be required depending on the applicant’s status and filing circumstances.

3. File the Application

Applications are submitted electronically through Indonesia’s trademark registration system.

4. Publication Period

After formal examination, the application is published for public review. Third parties may file objections if they believe the trademark conflicts with their existing rights.

5. Substantive Examination

This stage assesses whether the trademark meets legal requirements and whether it conflicts with earlier registrations.

Under the 2026 regulation, substantive examination must generally be completed within:

• 30 working days if no opposition is filed
• 90 working days if an opposition is filed

This represents a significant reduction compared to previous timelines.

6. Registration and Certificate Issuance

If approved, the trademark is registered and protected for 10 years, with the possibility of renewal every 10 years.

Common Reasons Trademark Applications Are Rejected

Trademark applications are commonly rejected because:

• The mark is too similar to an existing registration
• The mark lacks distinctiveness
• The mark is descriptive of the goods or services
• The application is considered to have been filed in bad faith

Conducting proper pre-filing due diligence can significantly reduce these risks.

Protecting Your Brand in Indonesia

Trademark registration is often one of the first legal steps businesses should take before entering Indonesia. Recent regulatory reforms have made the process faster and more predictable, but filing strategy remains important, particularly for foreign companies navigating classification issues, opposition risks, and local filing requirements.

For businesses seeking trademark protection in Indonesia, obtaining guidance from experienced intellectual property professionals can help ensure the application process runs smoothly and aligns with broader market-entry objectives.