From our last update, we informed that due to the sudden political changes in Myanmar in February 2021, the expected enforcement date of Myanmar’s new Trademark Law was expected to be delayed as the former IP Central Committee, formed by the former government, was dismissed.
As of now, we wish to inform that the new IP Central Committee has already been re-formed and is now working towards the implementations of new IP laws.
There are some progresses at Department of Intellectual Property of Myanmar (IPD) such as flowchart and application process information have been uploaded on its website and a “Trademark Agent Training Course” has been offered to the local agent from February 25, 2022 to March 1, 2022.
From the above, we assume that IPD is now active and there should be further development regarding the enforcement date (Grand opening date) of the new trademark law soon. Once the related Rules and Regulations, official fees schedules are in place, we expect that the enforcement date should be announced respectively.
Currently, the Soft opening period still continues. The eligible applicants can still re-file the applications under the new law during this time until the Grand opening date. The eligible applicants are trademark owners who has registered their trademarks under the current system OR has used their trademarks in Myanmar’s market before the Grand opening date.
In case, the applicants wish to register their trademarks under the current system, which is by filing a Declaration of Ownership of Trademark (DOT) at the Office of Registry of Deeds (ORD), we urge to give us instructions along with required documents as soon as possible to allow enough time to re-file the applications during Soft opening period. Please note that the ORD is still not operating as smoothly as before due to the situation of COVID-19 and the Civil Disobedience Movement and some delays could be expected.
We shall keep you informed of further official announcement, if any.
Contact Person: Ms. Pritsadee Buranavorakul
Foreign Trademark Department
trademark@siasia.co.th
