Trademarks in Indonesia – 2025 Updates

Indonesia’s trademark system processed 155,238 applications for registration in 2024-an 8.1% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects sustained domestic demand and rising foreign interest in Indonesia’s market. For businesses filing trademarks in Indonesia, recent changes in examination procedures, system infrastructure, and case studies impact filing strategy and enforcement options.

Policy Reforms and Legislative Progress

Draft Trademark Bill (RUU Merek)

The Draft Trademark Bill remains on Indonesia’s national legislative agenda (Prolegnas). While the official text has not been published, the bill is expected to introduce:

• Accelerated examination timelines
• Legal recognition for non-traditional marks (sound marks, 3D marks)
• Stronger protection mechanisms for well-known marks
• Migration to WIPO’s IPAS filing platform
• Adjusted official fees and application forms

Nice Classification 13th Edition

DJKI has set 2026 as the target date for adopting the Nice Classification 13th Edition. This update will harmonize Indonesia’s goods and services classification with international standards, though applicants should expect a transition period where classification practices may vary. Read our blog on the NCL13 for more information.

Non-Tax Revenue Alignment

Policy discussions in 2024–2025 have focused on aligning non-tax revenue policies for IP services. This may result in fee structure changes when the IPAS platform is implemented.

Current Filing System: IPROLINE and IPAS Migration

Indonesia’s e-filing platform (IPROLINE) continues to present technical challenges:

• Label uploads require specific technical formats that frequently trigger rejection
• Classification practices vary between examiners, creating inconsistencies in application review
• Automated status notifications are limited, requiring applicants to manually check application progress

DJKI has confirmed it is evaluating a migration to WIPO’s IPAS system to address these issues. The IPAS platform would provide:

• Standardized classification tools
• Improved automated notifications
• Better integration with international filing systems (Madrid Protocol)
• More consistent examination procedures

No official timeline for the IPAS migration has been announced.

Examination Capacity and Organization

On 27 January 2025, DJKI appointed a Coordinator of Trademark Examiners to improve examination quality and internal coordination. The Directorate of Trademarks and Geographical Indications currently employs approximately 110 examiners.

Recent changes in ministerial structure appear to have had minimal impact on public-facing services but may affect internal coordination. DJKI has not yet released written guidance about these organizational changes.

Filing Statistics and Processing Times

Application Volume

Foreign applications increased from 31,165 in 2023 to 35,670 in 2024, indicating growing international interest in trademark protection in Indonesia.  Note 2025 figures are current to 2025.

Madrid Protocol Activity

Processing Times

Processing times improved significantly in 2024:

This represents a 40% reduction in processing time within one year. However, refusal and opposition timelines remain unpublished.

Certificate and Notification Issues

Users have reported several operational problems with trademark certificates and recordal notifications:

Certificate Issues:

• Mark type not stated on certificates (word, device, combined)
• Limited visibility for 3D mark descriptions and sound mark files
• Inconsistencies between approved goods/services lists and issued certificates
• Unclear expiry information for International Registration (IR) designations under the Madrid Protocol

Notification Issues:

• Sub-licensing recordals lack detailed confirmation
• Multi-class amendments do not generate granular status updates
• License recordal notifications provide limited information on scope and duration

Practical Implications for Trademark Applicants

Pre-Filing Due Diligence

• Conduct comprehensive trademark searches before filing
• Verify goods/services classifications match DJKI’s interpretation
• Prepare alternative classifications for goods/services that may be rejected

Application Strategy

• Allow 6–8 months for standard processing (based on Q3–Q4 2024 data)
• Prepare detailed responses to office actions addressing classification inconsistencies
• Monitor application status manually due to limited automated notifications

Enforcement Planning

• Collect digital evidence (social media, e-commerce sales, online marketing) to support well-known mark claims
• Verify trademark ownership and recordal status before initiating litigation
• Document genuine use with invoices, product photos, and commercial evidence to defend against non-use cancellations
• Join all necessary parties (owners, manufacturers, distributors) in infringement proceedings

Portfolio Management

• Review certificate details for accuracy in mark type, goods/services lists, and expiry dates
• Maintain separate records of license agreements and sub-licensing arrangements due to limited DJKI notification detail
• Track international registration (Madrid Protocol) expiry dates independently

Contact SKC Law for further advice

SKC Law provides trademark prosecution, enforcement, and litigation services throughout Indonesia. Our team includes IP lawyers, consultants, paralegals, and investigators with direct experience in DJKI proceedings and Commercial Court litigation.

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