Laos has expanded its intellectual property administrative review framework by introducing copyright and related rights disputes into formal administrative proceedings for the first time. Decision No. 0306/IC, which took effect on April 24, 2026, replaces the country’s 2023 regulations that previously covered only industrial property and new plant variety matters.

The new rules empower Laos’ Department of Intellectual Property and its Administrative Dispute Resolution Committee to hear oppositions to pending applications, appeals of refused applications, cancellation requests for existing registrations, and disputes involving copyright and related rights recordation. The committee now has the authority to determine whether a work qualifies for copyright protection and to interpret the scope of existing copyright recordations.

The inclusion of copyright disputes is considered the most significant development under the new framework, as it provides rights holders and businesses with a dedicated administrative mechanism to challenge improper copyright claims without immediately resorting to court proceedings. The decision also formally brings new plant variety registration disputes under the committee’s jurisdiction, creating a clearer review pathway for the agricultural and biotechnology sectors.

Decision No. 0306/IC also establishes clearer procedural timelines and filing requirements. Applicants and opposing parties are given defined periods to submit clarifications, evidence and requests for reconsideration, while all submissions must be filed in the Lao language or accompanied by certified Lao translations. The reforms are expected to improve transparency, predictability and efficiency in Laos’ intellectual property dispute resolution system.

- Excel V. Dyquiangco