2026-07-20

How to Register a Trademark for Your MSME: A Brand Legal Protection Guide

An unregistered brand name can be claimed by someone else at any time. Here's how MSMEs can register a trademark, including costs and timelines.

Many MSME owners only realize how important it is to protect their brand name after someone else starts using a similar name — or worse, registers it first. A store name, logo, or tagline you've used for years can legally be taken over if it was never registered. Learning how to register a trademark for your MSME isn't as complicated as most people assume, and it can be done without an expensive consultant. Here's a guide from start to certificate.

Why a Trademark Needs to Be Registered, Not Just Used

In Indonesia, trademark rights follow a "first to file" principle — whoever registers first holds the legal right, not whoever used the name first. That means even if you've been trading under a certain name for years, someone else can still register the same name and legally stop you from using it again.

How to Register a Trademark for Your MSME Step by Step

Check name availability. Use the trademark database on Indonesia's official IP office (DJKI) site to confirm your name or logo isn't already taken in the same class.
Determine the goods or services class. Trademarks are registered per class — the food class differs from the fashion class, so make sure you pick the class that matches your business.
Submit the application online. This can be done through DJKI's official portal by uploading your logo, applicant data, and proof of payment.
Go through the publication and examination period. There's a window where other parties can file an objection, followed by a substantive examination by a trademark examiner.
Receive your trademark certificate. If there's no objection and the examination goes smoothly, an official trademark certificate is issued.

How Much It Costs and How Long It Takes

Trademark registration fees for MSMEs are usually lower than for large companies, provided you include an official MSME certificate. In terms of time, the entire process typically takes eight months to over a year, depending on whether objections are filed during the publication period.

Other Legal Matters to Handle Alongside Your Trademark

A trademark is ideally handled together with your other business legal documents. If you don't yet have a Business ID (NIB), start with How to Get a Business ID (NIB) and MSME License Online, since some business legal documents also make trademark verification smoother.

Why a Strong Brand Needs Legal Protection

Investing in building a brand identity means little if the name and logo can simply disappear legally. If you're just laying the foundation for your brand, read How to Build a Strong Brand for a Small Business, and if your brand is considering a change in direction, also check 5 Signs Your Business Needs a Rebrand before registering a new identity.