Laos, with an economy focused on hydropower, agriculture, and tourism, offers niche opportunities for businesses in a developing market. Protecting intellectual property (IP) is vital to encourage innovation and combat counterfeiting in an IP system still maturing. Our firm provides expert IP services to safeguard your trademarks and inventions in Laos.

Trademarks

Trademark protection in Laos is governed by the Law on Intellectual Property, No. 38/NA of 2017, administered by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Laos is a member of the Paris Convention and Madrid Protocol, enabling international filings.

Trademark Registration Process

Securing a trademark in Laos involves a developing process. The key steps include:

1. Trademark Search: Conduct a search through DIP’s records to ensure that a similar mark is not already registered.

2. Filing the Application: Submit the trademark application to DIP, providing details such as the mark, the class of goods/services (based on the Nice Classification), and applicant information. Applications can be filed in Lao or English (with Lao translation).

3. Examination: DIP examines the application for distinctiveness and non-conflict with existing marks, typically within 6-9 months.

4. Publication: Approved marks are published in the Official Gazette, allowing a 60-day opposition period.

5. Opposition Period: During the 60-day window, third parties can challenge the registration if they believe it infringes their rights.

6. Registration: If no opposition is filed or if the opposition is resolved in your favor, the trademark is registered, and a certificate is issued.

The entire process typically takes 12-18 months, depending on oppositions or delays. Our firm ensures a seamless registration experience.

Patents

Patent protection in Laos is governed by the Law on Intellectual Property, No. 38/NA of 2017, administered by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). Laos is a member of the PCT, Paris Convention, and Madrid Protocol.

● Patentable Subject Matter: Inventions that are new, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable are patentable. Exclusions include scientific theories, computer programs (unless tied to technical effects), and medical methods.

● Patent Types: The law covers utility patents, petty patents (utility models), and industrial designs. Plant varieties are protected separately.

● Duration: Utility patents last 20 years; petty patents 7 years, both from the filing date, non-renewable.

● Examination Process: DIP conducts formal examinations, but substantive examination is limited. Patents granted by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) or European Patent Office (EPO) can be re-registered, subject to local requirements.

● International Considerations: PCT filings are supported, and Laos participates in the ASPEC program, leveraging ASEAN IP office results.

Contact Us

Ready to protect your IP in Laos? Contact us today for a consultation with our expert IP team. Let us help you secure your brand and inventions in this emerging market.