Trade Marks
Upcoming Changes to Trade Mark law in Myanmar: Requires Action.
December 19, 2019
Trade mark law in Myanmar is changing in the very near future. The changes are significant and if you have trade mark or commercial interests in Myanmar they should not be ignored, even if you have already recorded your trade mark(s) with the Office of Registration of Deeds (which is the current method of achieving statutory trade mark rights in Myanmar).
We are advised that on the new law coming into force, existing rights under the current trade mark law will no longer demonstrate trade mark ownership in Myanmar.
We are also advised that the new law is being implemented in two stages with the first stage (which is operative from 20th December 2019 to 19th May 2020) allowing proprietors who have already recorded their trade mark(s) with the Office of Registration of Deeds to apply to register their trade marks under the new law.
After 19th May 2020, anyone can apply for trade mark registration. Trade mark registrations under the new law will be granted on a first to file basis.
If Swindell & Pearson can offer any assistance in connection with trade marks or other intellectual property in Myanmar or elsewhere, please contact your usual Swindell & Pearson attorney, [email protected], or the author.
Kieron Taylor
IP Director