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%.

Art. 37 of Decree-Law No. 15/2012 stipulates the requirement for accounting separation for telecommunications operators possessing significant market power (SMP). No obligation pertaining to functional separation has been identified.

Pursuant to Art. 30 of Decree-Law No. 15/2012 (last amended in September 2024), any individual or entity intending to provide telecommunications services or operate a telecommunications network is required to register with the National Communications Authority. In addition, under Art. 61, the utilisation of radio-frequency spectrum or the operation of radio equipment is prohibited without the appropriate licensing. Although no restriction has been identified in the country’s telecommunications legislation, it has been reported that a minimum capital requirement applies to obtaining a telecommunications licence.

It is reported that procurement procedures are characterised by a significant lack of transparency. Contracts are occasionally awarded outside the formal procurement framework or facilitated through political channels. Although a public procurement website exists, it is reported to be inconsistently updated and to not publish all tenders. Reports further indicate that, when tenders are posted, they are often available for only a brief period, and the selection of winning bidders may be predetermined.

Timor-Leste is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) but it does have observer status since September 2024.

The Private Investment Law delineates the conditions and incentives applicable to both domestic and foreign investment, while affirming the principle of legal equality for international investors. Pursuant to Art. 9.3, there is a list of specific activities and sectors from which foreign investors are excluded. Notably, this list does not encompass any activities pertinent to digital trade. Art. 24 of the Social Communication Law No. 5/2014 stipulates that foreign ownership in the share capital of media entities shall not exceed 30% of the total equity of the respective organisation. However, it is not clear whether this restriction applies to digital media platforms.

Pursuant to Art. 47 of the Commercial Companies Law, companies must appoint a legal representative who has permanent residence in Timor-Leste. Art. 47(4) further provides that the company’s management may appoint that legal representative to act as the company’s manager or attorney.