LAOS SIMPLIFIES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROCEDURES – OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES

LAOS SIMPLIFIES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROCEDURES – OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES

On February 22, 2025, the Department of Intellectual Property of Laos (DIP) issued Notification No. 198/DIP regarding changes to the requirements for original documents in trademark, patent, and industrial design-related procedures. This new regulation marks a significant step in simplifying the registration and protection process for intellectual property rights in Laos, making it more convenient for businesses and individuals to safeguard their intellectual assets.

According to the Notification, from February 22, 2025, DIP will no longer require the submission of original documents such as the Power of Attorney (POA), Replacement Documents, Declarations of Change, Certificates, etc., in the registration and processing of intellectual property procedures. Instead, these documents can be submitted electronically through the E-Filing system. This change helps reduce administrative burdens, saving time and costs for businesses.

However, if DIP has concerns about the authenticity of any document, it reserves the right to request the original version. Therefore, to ensure compliance, we recommend that organizations and individuals retain the original documents for verification purposes if required.

The removal of the requirement for original document submission not only enhances the efficiency of application processing but also reflects the growing trend of digitalization in intellectual property management in Laos. This presents a great opportunity for both local and international businesses to leverage a more flexible legal framework, strengthening the protection of trademarks, patents, and other intellectual assets in the Lao market.

If you have any questions regarding this new regulation or need assistance with intellectual property procedures in Laos, please contact us for detailed advice!

Anlis IP