🇮🇩 Indonesia · reviewed 2026-10-09
Trademarks and IP for franchisors in Indonesia
In Indonesia the trademark is not only protection, it is a condition of franchising: PP 35/2024 requires the IP to be registered or recorded before you can qualify as a franchisor. And because the system is first-to-file, the mark belongs to whoever files first.
First to file
- Indonesia uses a first-to-file trademark system under Law 20/2016 on Marks and Geographical Indications. Secondary · SIP Law Firm on licence recording
- Under PP 35/2024 the franchise's intellectual property must already be registered or recorded; a pending application no longer satisfies the franchisor criteria. Secondary · Linklaters, 10 things on PP 35/2024, 2024-10-04
Recording the licence
- Trademark licence agreements must be recorded with the Minister of Law through the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP). An unrecorded licence has no legal effect against third parties. Secondary · SIP Law Firm on licence recording
Checklist before you sign an Indonesian partner
- File the word mark and logo in Indonesia in the franchisor's own name before any public announcement or partner search.
- Wait for registration before applying for the STPW: a pending application does not meet PP 35/2024.
- Record the licence with DGIP once the franchise agreement is signed.
- Register Bahasa Indonesia descriptors or local product names you plan to use on menus.
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