COUNTRY: LAO PDR

Brief

Lao PDR is a landlocked country in South East Asia. Lao PDR is still an economy in transition and is largely dependent on investment and trade with Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Subsistence agriculture, dominated by rice cultivation, accounts for half of the GDP.

Lao PDR is not yet member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Compared to other South East Asian countries, Lao PDR has very basic Intellectual Property framework. A comprehensive new law covering all areas of intellectual property is in the pipeline.

IP Authority

Department of Intellectual Property, Standardization and Metrology (DISM), National Authority for Science and Technology (NAST)

Main Trade Mark Legislation

Intellectual Property Laws, 2007

Trademarks (No. 466/STEA-PMO), Regulation, 2002

Treaties

Paris Convention

Multi-Class Application

Not available. A separate application is required for each class.

Series Mark Application

Not available.

Approx. Time Frame of a Straightforward Application

At least 12 months.

Opposition Period

3 months from the publication date.

Filing Requirements

Applicant’s name

Applicant’s address

Country of incorporation

Specimen of mark

Specification of goods / services

Power of Attorney

Registrable unconventional trademarks

NA

Term of Registration

10 years from the date of registration.

Non-Use Period for Cancellation

5 years

Renewal Term

10 years from the renewal date of the registration.

Border Enforcement by Customs Official

Available

Notice:
All information provided by LJ Vernus in this document is provided as a source of general information. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this document, it should not be treated as the basis for formulating formal decisions without professional advice.