Macau's 'Economic Public Order' Blocks Crypto Trademark Registrations

A company applied to register two trademarks in Macau covering a wide range of financial and digital services, including virtual currency brokerage, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency payments.

The Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) refused the registration, citing that the applicant was not authorised to conduct financial activities in Macau.

The company appealed the decision, but the Court of Final Appeal (TUI) upheld the refusal, ruling that the commercialisation of cryptocurrency-related services is contrary to Macau's 'economic public order'.

The ruling notes that the Monetary Authority of Macau (AMCM) has prohibited banks and payment institutions from participating in or providing financial services related to virtual or digital currencies.