Myanmar trade mark law expected in 2014

The current draft of the bill features a first-to-file system. At present, there is a recordal system through the Office of Registration of Deeds and Assurance. The bill is expected to have a three-year sunrise period allowing owners of previously recorded marks to register their marks to maintain priority and protection.

The drafting of the country’s first trade mark law is a process that IP practitioners are watching with great interest. INTA is one group that has been giving feedback on the bill; earlier this year, a delegation including INTA president Toe Su Aung met with Myanmar’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to discuss the bill. Seth Hays, part of INTA’s delegation, expressed optimism about the process.

“INTA has a generally good working relationship in Myanmar with MOST, and it seems like it took the comments to heart,” he said.

Managing IP is hosting a webinar on IP in Myanmar on October 17. Pre-register for it online.