In accordance with the schedules outlined in Annex I of the "ANC Guidelines on Registration", registrants of telecommunications services—including those providing international simple resale services, resale of leased circuit services, public internet access services, virtual private network services, managed data network services, mobile virtual network operations, IP telephony services, satellite mobile telephone or data services, and mobile communications on aircraft—are required to register their subscribers and maintain a comprehensive register containing detailed records of their personal particulars.

Chapter V of "Decree-Law No. 15/2012 of 28 March 2012 on the Regulation of the Telecommunications Sector" stipulates that any individual or entity intending to provide telecommunications services must register with the National Communications Authority. In accordance with annex A of the "ANC Guidelines on Registration", the scope of different types of services encompasses cross-border services either originating from or terminating within Timor-Leste. These include, but are not limited to, the following categories: virtual private network (VPN) services, internet-based voice and data services (VoIP), value-added network application services, and machine-to-machine (M2M) services.

Under Art. 32(1) of the Customs Code, a customs broker licence is required only where a person submits a customs declaration in the name of, or on behalf of, another person. However, it is reported that, in practice, most imports into Timor-Leste require the involvement of a licensed customs broker. These brokers are authorised by the Timor-Leste Customs Authority to act on behalf of importers or exporters, including by submitting customs declarations through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), the electronic platform used by the Timor-Leste Customs Service.

It is reported that exporting goods from Timor-Leste requires the use of a licensed customs broker. Authorised by the Timor-Leste Customs Authority, these private-sector professionals act on behalf of exporters to submit customs declarations and provide the necessary documentation, including export licences and certificates of origin. Customs brokers facilitate shipment clearance in compliance with regulatory requirements.

It is reported that Timor-Leste lacks a formal mechanism for conducting transparent public consultations on all draft legislative proposals concerning technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment procedures. It is noted that no such technical regulations, standards, or conformity assessment procedures—such as testing, inspection, or certification—are currently in place for either domestically produced or imported goods.

It is reported that Timor-Leste lacks a formal regulatory framework for type approval.

Pursuant to Art. 6 of Government Decree No. 9/2008, telecom operators are required to retain user identification data—either electronically or in physical form—for a minimum duration of five years from the date of contract conclusion. In addition, Art. 7.4 stipulates that traffic data must be preserved for at least one year from the date of its generation. According to Art. 2, the term "operator" refers to any concessionaire or licensee that provides mobile telecommunications services via a subscription contract, utilising a SIM card. “Traffic data” refers to the functional data necessary to establish a connection or communication, as well as data generated during network use, including the identification of outgoing and incoming calls, call duration, and date and time.

There is no comprehensive legal framework or substantive measures to ensure patent protection. Reports indicate that certain international corporations have resorted to publishing notices in local newspapers to assert their patent claims. Pursuant to Art. 19 of the Private Investment Law (Law No. 15/2017), all investors are entitled to the protection of intellectual property rights as recognised by law; however, it does not apply to patents which have yet to be recognised by law. Nevertheless, a Draft Bill on the Industrial Property Code is expected to include provisions on patents.

Timor-Leste is not a signatory of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Timor-Leste has a copyright regime under the Code of Copyright and Related Rights. However, the exceptions do not follow the fair use or fair dealing model, therefore limiting the lawful use of copyrighted work by others. Art. 129 lists the exceptions, including reproduction by a natural person for private use and without commercial intent; use for teaching and educational purposes, provided it is non-commercial and limited to parts of published works; among others. Title IV outlines the legal mechanisms for enforcement, while Title V introduces provisions on technical protection measures and electronic rights management information, including safeguards against the circumvention of effective technological measures.

Timor-Leste has not adopted the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty.

Timor-Leste has not adopted the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty.

Timor-Leste lacks a comprehensive legal framework dedicated to the effective protection of trade secrets. Nonetheless, certain limited provisions exist that address aspects of this issue. Art. 19 of the Private Investment Law (Law No. 15/2017) stipulates that all investors are entitled to the protection of industrial secrets, as well as any other intellectual property rights recognised by law. In a related provision, Art. 184 of the Penal Code (enacted through Decree-Law No. 19/2009) criminalises the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information pertaining to commercial, industrial, professional, or artistic activities. This applies to individuals who acquire such information in their positions, occupations, employment, professions, or artistic engagements. However, prosecution under this provision is contingent upon the lodging of a formal complaint by the aggrieved party.
In addition, a Draft Bill concerning the Industrial Property Code, which is anticipated to include specific provisions on the protection of trade secrets, remains pending enactment.

It is reported that passive infrastructure sharing is not legally mandated in Timor-Leste. Nevertheless, Arts. 38 and 40 of "Decree-Law No. 15/2012 of 28 March 2012 on the Regulation of the Telecommunications Sector" prescribe conditions under which the sharing of cell sites must occur. Despite the absence of a general legal obligation, reports from 2020 indicate that infrastructure sharing is nonetheless practised in both fixed and mobile telecommunications services.

The Government holds shares in Timor Telecom. In 2023, the State became the company’s largest shareholder, increasing its ownership from 20.6% to 77.6%.