On September 22, 2026, the National Parliament of East Timor unanimously approved Government Bill No. 18/VI (2nd), concerning the Industrial Property Code, with 49 votes in favour, no votes against, and no abstentions.
The approval marks a significant development in the country's intellectual property framework, introducing, for the first time, a dedicated legal regime governing industrial property rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications.
The new legislation seeks to strengthen legal protection for businesses, inventors, and other rights holders, while advancing Timor-Leste's alignment with international intellectual property standards and its commitments within the WTO and ASEAN.
