Trademark renewal in Laos

A registration of trademark in Laos is valid for up to 10 years, counted from the filing date, for successive times. If the trademark has not been used for a long period or the owner does not renew in time, it will be removed from the Trademark Register. Therefore, a trademark renewal in Laos would be required.

Laos has finally adopted the multi-class filing system on 1 February 2016, which allows an easy follow-up and renewal procedures of trademarks. (Notice No. 57/MOST.DIP issued by The Laos Intellectual Property Department, Ministry of Science and Technology). Through their membership to the multi –class system. Worldwide trademark owners may extend their protection to the significant Asian market by means of simplified and inexpensive proceedings.

1. Required documents

Applications for trademark renewal in Laos must be filed within 12 months before the expiry date(s) with the Trademark Department of Laos and the following documents are required:

(i) A Bilingual Notarized Power of Attorney (POA). A scanned copy of the POA is accepted at filing, the original one must be submitted within 1 month later;

(ii) Concerning copy Certificate of trademark registration;

(iii) Specimen of the trademark in jpg. file with resolution at least 300DPI.

2. Cost for trademark renewal in Laos

The renewal fees can be paid during the 12-month period preceding the date of expiry and for a 6-month grace period after the date of expiry.

The total cost including both official fees and all-inclusive attorney’s and disbursements for the recordal of trademark renewal in Laos.

3. Time frame

It takes approximately 06 – 12 months from the filing date to complete the renewal a trademark in Laos.

As of March 7, 2016, it will also be possible to obtain trademark protection by an International Registration through WIPO (International Registration) in Laos (Lao People’s Democratic Republic). Brand owners will benefit from lower costs and an efficient mechanism to seek protection in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Accordingly, it will be possible to extend the protection of existing International Registrations to Laos or designate Laos within new applications as of March 7, 2016. The existing national trademark registrations remain valid.

In the course of an extension of protection, you may also consider designating other countries that have recently joined the Madrid System (if not done already; against the appropriate additional fees). It is now recommend to replace the national trademark registrations by International registrations, as this reduces the costs and administrative expenses in the long run.

In case you require more information or require advice on trademark renewal in Laos in Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia as well as other IP matters, please do not hesitate to contact us via email: info@apta.vn