Trademarks Law in Myanmar

Certainly! Here’s an overview of Trademark Law in Myanmar:

Trademark Law in Myanmar

Legal Framework

Trademark protection in Myanmar is governed by the Trademark Law (2019), which modernized the IP regime.

The law is administered by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Ministry of Commerce.

Myanmar is a member of international treaties including:

Paris Convention

TRIPS Agreement

Myanmar has recently joined the Madrid Protocol (effective 2023), allowing international trademark registration.

Key Features

1. What Can Be Registered?

Any sign capable of distinguishing goods or services, including:

Words, names, letters, numerals

Logos, designs, symbols

Shapes, colors, sounds (under certain conditions)

2. Types of Trademarks

Ordinary trademarks

Collective marks

Certification marks

3. Registration Process

Application filed with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP).

Formal examination for compliance.

Substantive examination on absolute grounds (distinctiveness, descriptiveness).

Publication of the application in the official gazette.

Opposition period: 60 days.

If no opposition or opposition unsuccessful, the trademark is registered.

4. Duration and Renewal

Trademark registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date.

Renewable indefinitely for successive 10-year terms.

Renewal application must be submitted before expiration (with a grace period available).

5. Rights Conferred

Exclusive right to use the trademark within Myanmar for registered goods/services.

Right to prevent unauthorized use or infringement.

Rights to license, assign, or transfer the trademark.

6. Infringement and Enforcement

Civil remedies include injunctions, damages, and destruction of infringing goods.

Criminal sanctions apply in cases of counterfeiting.

Customs authorities assist in controlling counterfeit imports and exports.

Enforcement actions are through civil courts and administrative bodies.

7. International Treaties

Myanmar is a party to:

Paris Convention

TRIPS Agreement

Madrid Protocol (since 2023)

Myanmar adheres to WIPO standards and classifications.

Summary Table

FeatureDescription
Governing LawTrademark Law (2019)
Registration AuthorityDepartment of Intellectual Property (DIP)
Protection Duration10 years, renewable
International SystemsParis Convention, Madrid Protocol, TRIPS
EnforcementCivil and criminal remedies; customs actions

 

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