Trademark registration 

In the rapidly evolving business landscape of Laos, securing a trademark is a vital step for protecting your brand identity. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, understanding the trademark registration process ensures your intellectual property is safeguarded under Lao law.

What qualifies as a trademark?

A trademark in Laos can include words, logos, symbols or combinations that distinguish goods or services. It must be distinctive and not conflict with existing marks. Trademarks are classified under the Nice Classification system, which organizes goods and services into 45 categories.

Required documents

To register a trademark, applicants must submit the following to the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Ministry of Science and Technology:

• Trademark application form
• Trademark specimen (clear image or representation)
• List of goods/services to be protected under relevant Nice classes
• Power of attorney (for representatives; a copy is now sufficient as clarified by the Decision on Trademarks No. 0874 (the 2025 trademark decision), which came into force on July 4, 2025)
• Fee payment receipt

Foreign applicants must file through a licensed IP agent registered with the DIP. Online filing is still limited, so most applications are submitted in person or by mail.

Preliminary trademark search

Before filing, it’s advisable to conduct a trademark search to check for existing or similar marks. While Laos lacks a public online database, searches can be requested through the DIP or conducted via WIPO’s Global Brand Database. An official search typically takes 15–20 working days and costs around US$100.

Registration process

The trademark registration process in Laos involves several stages:

• Filing the application: Submit all required documents to DIP.
• Formality examination: DIP checks if the application meets formal requirements (1-2 months).
• Substantive examination: DIP assesses the distinctiveness and registrability of the mark.
• Publication: If approved, the mark is published for opposition.
• Registration certificate: If no opposition is filed within 60 days, the trademark is registered.

The entire process typically takes 12-18 months.

Renewals and amendments

Trademarks in Laos are valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely. The 2025 trademark decision clarified that renewal applications submitted electronically can be filed anytime, even on holidays. If the deadline falls on a non-working day, it is extended to the next business day.

Special considerations for foreign marks

If your trademark includes foreign words, you must provide an accurate translation and Lao pronunciation. This helps the DIP assess whether the mark is descriptive or misleading in the local context.

Final tips

• Use a local IP agent to navigate the process smoothly.
• Conduct a thorough trademark search before filing.
• Ensure your mark is distinctive and not generic or overly descriptive.
• Keep track of renewal deadlines and maintain proper documentation.

Registering a trademark in Laos may seem bureaucratic, but with the right preparation and guidance, it’s a manageable and rewarding process. 

Patent registration

Whether you're developing new technology, pharmaceuticals or industrial designs, understanding the patent registration process in Laos is essential for safeguarding your intellectual property.

What can be patented?

Under Lao law, patents can be granted for inventions that are:

• Novel: Not previously disclosed anywhere in the world.
• Inventive: Not obvious to someone skilled in the relevant field.
• Industrially applicable: Capable of being used in some form of industry.

Laos also recognizes utility models (similar to petty patents) for inventions that may not meet the full criteria for a standard patent but still offer practical utility.

Filing a patent in Laos

Patent applications are submitted to the DIP. The application must include:

• A completed application form
• A detailed description of the invention
• Claims defining the scope of protection
• Drawings (if applicable)
• An abstract
• Proof of payment of the filing fee

Foreign applicants must file through a registered local agent. The application can be submitted in Lao or English, but a Lao translation is required for final processing.

Examination and grant

Laos follows a formal and substantive examination process:

• Formality check: Ensures all documents are complete and fees are paid.
• Substantive examination: Assesses novelty, inventiveness and industrial applicability. This may involve expert review and can take several months to years.

Once approved, the patent is published in the official gazette for opposition. If no objections are raised within 60 days, the patent is granted and valid for 20 years from the filing date (10 years for utility models), subject to annual maintenance fees.

European patent validation

A major development in Lao patent law is the European Patent Validation Agreement, which became effective April 1, 2025. This allows applicants to validate European patents in Laos, streamlining protection for inventions already examined by the European Patent Office (EPO).

Key features:

• Applies to European and Euro-PCT applications filed on or after April 1, 2025.
• A validation fee of €180 must be paid within six months of the European search report or entry into the European phase.
• Validated patents have the same legal effect as national Lao patents.

This system enhances legal certainty, reduces administrative burden and encourages foreign investment by leveraging the EPO’s rigorous examination standards.

Practical tips

• Conduct a prior art search before filing to assess novelty.
• Use a local IP agent to navigate language and procedural requirements.
• Track deadlines for fee payments and renewals to avoid lapses.
• Consider EPO validation if you already hold a European patent.

Patent protection in Laos is evolving, and with the new validation system, it’s becoming more accessible and robust. 

Industrial design registration 

In Laos, industrial design registration offers essential legal protection for the visual and aesthetic aspects of products. 

What qualifies as an industrial design?

An industrial design refers to the ornamental or visual appearance of a product, including its shape, lines, patterns, colours or any combination thereof. To be eligible for registration in Laos, a design must meet the following criteria:

• Novelty: It must be new and not previously disclosed to the public anywhere in the world before the filing or priority date.
• Non-functionality: The design must not be dictated solely by technical function.
• Cultural compatibility: Designs that conflict with Lao traditions or public order are not registrable.

Application process

Industrial design applications are filed with the DIP. The process includes:

• Filing the application: Required documents:
  • Request for registration
  • Drawings or photographs of the design (typically 7-view orthographic images)
  • Description of the design
  • Power of attorney (if filed through an agent)
  • Proof of fee payment
• Formality examination: DIP checks for completeness, formatting and fee compliance.
• Substantive examination: The design is reviewed for novelty and registrability. If approved, it is published for opposition.
• Registration and certificate: If no opposition is filed within the designated period, the design is registered and a certificate is issued.

Fees and duration

• Official fee: US$85 for registration.
• Attorney Fees: Vary depending on the IP agent’s policies.
• Protection Period: Initial term of five years from the filing date, renewable every five years up to a maximum of 15 years.

Priority and grace period

Laos follows a first-to-file system, meaning the earliest applicant gains the rights. Applicants may claim priority from an earlier foreign filing within six months.

A six-month grace period is allowed for public disclosures made at official or internationally recognized exhibitions. Confidential disclosures (e.g., under NDAs) are not considered public and do not affect novelty.

Foreign applicants

Foreign individuals or entities must appoint a local IP agent to file on their behalf. All documents must be submitted in Lao, or accompanied by certified translations.

Practical tips

• Prepare clear and complete visual representations of your design. Use grayscale images with white backgrounds, sized between 90mm x 120mm and 210mm x 297mm.
• Claim priority if you’ve filed the design elsewhere within the past six months.
• Avoid public disclosure before filing unless it’s at a recognized exhibition.
• Use a local agent to navigate language and procedural requirements.
• Registering an industrial design in Laos is a strategic move to protect your creative assets in a market that values innovation and aesthetics. 

IP enforcement strategies

As Laos continues to integrate into the global economy, IP enforcement has become increasingly relevant for businesses, creators and innovators. While the legal framework is evolving, effective enforcement strategies require a mix of legal action, administrative procedures, and practical vigilance. 

Legal framework for IP enforcement

Laos is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a signatory to key treaties such as the TRIPS Agreement. The country’s IP laws are governed by the Law on Intellectual Property (Amended 2018), which covers trademarks, patents, copyrights, industrial designs and geographical indications.

Enforcement mechanisms include:

• Civil litigation through the People’s Courts
• Administrative actions via the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP)
• Customs enforcement under border control regulations
• Criminal prosecution for counterfeiting and piracy

Administrative enforcement

The most accessible route for IP enforcement in Laos is through administrative channels. Rights holders can file complaints with the DIP, which may conduct investigations and issue cease-and-desist orders. Steps include:

• Submitting a formal complaint with evidence of infringement
• DIP investigation and mediation
• Issuance of warning letters or administrative penalties

This route is often faster and less costly than litigation, especially for trademark and copyright violations.

Civil litigation

For serious or repeated infringements, rights holders may pursue civil litigation. Remedies include:

• Injunctions to stop infringing activities
• Compensation for damages
• Orders for destruction of counterfeit goods

However, litigation in Laos can be time-consuming and may require strong local legal representation. Foreign entities must work through licensed Lao attorneys.

Criminal enforcement

In cases of wilful counterfeiting or piracy, criminal enforcement is possible. The Ministry of Public Security and the Economic Police Division may investigate and prosecute offenders. Penalties include fines and imprisonment, though enforcement is typically reserved for large-scale or repeat violations.

Border measures

Laos allows IP owners to request customs authorities to block the import or export of infringing goods. To activate this, rights holders must:

• Register their IP rights with the DIP
• Submit a request to customs with product details and evidence
• Provide a bond or security for potential damages

This is particularly useful for trademark owners combating counterfeit goods entering from neighbouring countries.

Practical strategies for effective enforcement

• Register your IP rights early: Enforcement is only possible if your rights are officially registered in Laos.
• Monitor the market: Regularly check for infringing goods online, in stores and at trade fairs.
• Work with local agents: Lao IP agents can assist with filings, investigations and liaising with authorities.
• Educate partners and distributors: Ensure your supply chain understands and respects your IP rights.
• Use warning labels and legal notices: These can deter casual infringement and support enforcement claims.

Regional cooperation

Laos is part of ASEAN, which promotes regional IP cooperation. Rights holders can leverage ASEAN-wide initiatives such as the ASEAN IP Portal and regional enforcement networks to track and combat infringement across borders.

IP protection and enforcement in Laos is improving, but it still requires proactive effort and strategic planning. By combining legal tools with practical vigilance, rights holders can protect their innovations and brands in this emerging market.