How to Register a Trademark in Indonesia and Bali – Complete Guide by The Bali Lawyer
If you are planning to launch a business or product in Indonesia or Bali, securing your brand identity is essential. One of the most effective ways to protect your brand is by registering a trademark. Whether it’s your company name, logo, slogan, or a distinctive product label, a registered trademark provides exclusive legal rights and strengthens your position in the competitive market.
At The Bali Lawyer, a professional legal service based in Bali, we help local and international clients successfully register trademarks in Indonesia. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about trademark registration in Indonesia, with a focus on processes, requirements, legal protections, and expert support to ensure your application is smooth and legally valid.
What is a Trademark?
A trademark is a recognizable sign, design, name, or expression that distinguishes goods or services of a particular source from others. In Indonesia, trademarks are governed by Law No. 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications. A registered trademark gives you the exclusive rights to use that mark in your industry across the entire country, including Bali.
Trademarks can include:
Business names
Logos or symbols
Taglines or slogans
Product packaging
Sound marks or 3D designs
Registering a trademark ensures that no other party can use a similar mark for the same type of goods or services, reducing the risk of infringement or business disputes.
Why Register Your Trademark in Indonesia?
Registering your trademark in Indonesia is crucial for protecting your brand legally and commercially. Here are the key benefits:
Exclusive Rights: Prevents other individuals or businesses from using the same or similar mark in your market category.
Legal Protection: Gives you the legal standing to take action against infringement.
Business Credibility: Increases consumer trust and brand recognition.
Asset Value: Your trademark becomes a business asset that can be sold, licensed, or franchised.
Expansion: Enables you to enter partnerships or export markets with a protected brand.
With Bali being a popular hub for hospitality, fashion, wellness, technology, and F&B brands, registering your trademark is not just a legal step—it’s a strategic investment.
Who Can Register a Trademark in Indonesia?
Anyone—an individual, a company, or a business entity—can register a trademark in Indonesia. Foreign applicants are also eligible, but they must appoint a local attorney or registered intellectual property consultant to represent them in the process.
At The Bali Lawyer, we assist:
Local entrepreneurs in Bali
Indonesian SMEs and corporations
Foreign investors and companies launching brands in Indonesia
International franchises entering the Indonesian market
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Trademark in Indonesia
Registering a trademark in Indonesia involves several key stages, which must be followed carefully to avoid delays or rejections. Below is a detailed breakdown of the trademark registration process:
1. Trademark Search (Pre-Application)
Before filing your application, it is essential to conduct a trademark availability search to ensure that your desired mark does not conflict with existing registered trademarks. This helps avoid objections or rejections later in the process.
The search involves:
Checking the Indonesian trademark database
Verifying similarity in name, design, or class
Analyzing the likelihood of confusion
The Bali Lawyer offers a professional search service to give you clarity and legal certainty before proceeding.
2. Determine the Correct Trademark Class
Indonesia follows the Nice Classification system, which divides goods and services into 45 classes. It’s crucial to file your trademark under the correct class(es) to receive appropriate protection.
Examples:
Class 3: Cosmetics and personal care
Class 25: Clothing and fashion
Class 35: Advertising and business services
Class 43: Hospitality and restaurants
Filing under the wrong class could leave your brand unprotected in your actual business sector. We help you identify and select the correct classes.
3. Prepare and File the Application
Once the search is complete and your trademark class is determined, we prepare your application. Required information includes:
Applicant’s name and address (individual or company)
Trademark sample (wordmark, logo, or both)
Description of goods/services
Chosen class(es)
Declaration of ownership
Foreign applicants must submit a Power of Attorney to appoint a local representative. The application is submitted to the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) under the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
4. Formal Examination
The DGIP conducts a formal review to check:
Compliance with application requirements
Completeness of documents
Payment of fees
If accepted, the application moves to the publication stage.
5. Trademark Publication (Announcement Period)
Once the application passes the formal review, it is published in the official Trademark Journal for 2 months. During this period, third parties have the right to file an objection if they believe your mark infringes on their own rights.
If no opposition is filed, or if an opposition is resolved in your favor, the trademark proceeds to the next step.
6. Substantive Examination
The DGIP performs a detailed examination to assess:
Uniqueness and distinctiveness of the mark
Conflict with existing registered trademarks
Compliance with legal standards
This stage usually takes 150 working days from the end of the publication period.
7. Trademark Registration Certificate
If your trademark passes the examination, it will be officially registered, and a certificate of registration will be issued. The trademark is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely.
Trademark Duration and Renewal
Initial validity: 10 years from the date of filing
Renewal: Can be renewed within 6 months before expiration
Grace period: Late renewal possible within 6 months after expiration (with penalty)
The Bali Lawyer offers trademark monitoring and renewal services to ensure continuous protection of your brand.
Trademark Infringement and Enforcement
If another party uses your registered trademark without permission, you have the legal right to take action under Indonesian law. Enforcement options include:
Cease and desist letters
Civil lawsuits for damages
Criminal complaints
Administrative actions via the DGIP
Trademark registration gives you a powerful legal tool to defend your intellectual property in Bali and across Indonesia.
Why Choose The Bali Lawyer?
As a Bali-based legal service with deep expertise in intellectual property law, we offer end-to-end support for trademark registration, including:
Professional trademark search
Class selection guidance
Filing and document preparation
Local representation for foreign applicants
Monitoring of publication and examination stages
Legal advisory on trademark protection and enforcement
Whether you are a start-up, an established business, or an overseas investor, our experienced team is here to protect your brand and support your growth in Indonesia.
Trademark Registration Fees
Trademark registration fees vary based on:
Number of classes filed
Type of applicant (individual or company)
Local or foreign applicant status
The Bali Lawyer provides a transparent pricing structure and detailed quotation before starting the process. Our service includes official government fees and professional handling.
Secure Your Brand in Indonesia with The Bali Lawyer
Trademark registration in Indonesia is more than a legal formality—it’s a critical step in protecting your brand’s identity, reputation, and commercial value. With Bali being a dynamic destination for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and businesses from around the world, registering your trademark ensures peace of mind and legal protection in a growing market.
Let The Bali Lawyer guide you through every step of the process. We provide clear communication, efficient service, and local expertise to make your trademark registration in Indonesia and Bali successful and secure.
Contact Us Today
Start your trademark registration journey with The Bali Lawyer. Reach out to our team for a consultation, and protect your brand with expert legal support in Indonesia.