Zai Investment, the owner of the Q Study Maldives brand, has filed a civil lawsuit after accusing another party of unlawfully using its registered trademarks to promote an education expo scheduled later this month.
In a public statement, Zai Investment confirmed that several of its long established brand names, including Q Study Maldives, Q Study, Q Study World, Q World, International Education Expo, Q World Expo, Study Abroad, and International Study Abroad Educational Expo, are legally registered under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
The company said it has organised recognised international education fairs across the Maldives for more than seven years, facilitating overseas higher education opportunities for a large number of Maldivian students.
According to the statement, a business operating under the name Legal Aid LLP, in collaboration with foreign entities, registered the name “MY Q STUDY” with the same ministry. Zai Investment alleges that the name was intentionally chosen to mislead the public by closely imitating the established Q Study brand, creating confusion among students and parents.
Following a formal complaint, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade instructed the company to change the disputed business name. However, Zai Investment claims the directive has been ignored, with the party continuing to promote an education expo on 16 and 17 January 2026 at the Barceló Nasandhura Hotel using the names “MY Q STUDY” and “International Study Abroad Education Expo”.
The company said the matter has been reported to relevant state authorities, citing concerns over unauthorised use of registered brand names and logos. It also stated that the Ministry of Higher Education has confirmed that no approval has been granted to any party to organise an event under the name “International Study Abroad Education Expo”.
Zai Investment described the ongoing promotions as fraudulent and warned that the activity is designed to exploit the reputation of Q Study Maldives to deceive the public. The company emphasised that it has no affiliation with the advertised event or with the entity operating under the name MY Q STUDY.
The statement further noted that reports have emerged of students being charged fees under the false impression that the expo is associated with Q Study Maldives. In response, the company confirmed that legal action has already been initiated at the Civil Court to protect its trademarks and prevent further public deception.
Students and parents have been urged to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of education expos before making any payments or commitments.
