Through Deputy Minister Chansouk Sengphachanh from the Laotian Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Laos has signed a validation agreement with the European Patent Office (EPO), making Laos its sixth validation partner and Southeast Asia’s second, following Cambodia, Morocco, Tunisia, Moldova and Georgia.

This agreement is a major step toward promoting innovation, advancing economic growth and bolstering Laos’s intellectual property rights. After coming into effect, the agreement will make it easier for European patent applicants to access the Laotian market, which will promote commerce, technological transfer and foreign direct investment. Additionally, the agreement will make it possible for Laotian businesses, academic institutions and inventors to collaborate more closely with global users of the European patent system.

As per the agreement, the 4,000 highly qualified examiners of the EPO will conduct a centralized search and examination, which will enhance Laos’s patent system. In addition to creating an atmosphere that promotes innovation and growth, this will provide legal certainty, clarity and protection for entrepreneurs and inventors. Both sides emphasized their dedication to cooperation at the signing ceremony, setting the groundwork for further alliances in innovation and economic growth.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco