In brief

This alert provides an update on the status of trademark applications in Myanmar.


Contents

Key Takeaways

Soft launch of new trademark system ongoing

  • The soft launch of the new electronic trademark registration system remains open and available, and we are presently able to process online trademark applications.
  • The first phase of the opening began on 1 October 2020 and is considered the "soft opening" until the new Trademark Law comes into full force. We anticipate this present status to continue until the grand launch of the new Trademark Law, the date of which, as with details regarding related official fees, has yet to be announced.
  • In brief, there have been no developments concerning the new electronic trademark registration system since 1 October 2020.

Registration of Declarations of Ownership

  • During the soft launch of the electronic trademark system, only trademarks that have been registered via Declarations of Ownership of Trademark and/or used in Myanmar would be eligible to be filed during this transition period.
  • The Office of Registration of Deeds and Assurances ("Registration Office") in Yangon, which processes applications for Declarations of Ownership, is currently in operation and accepting new registrations.
  • For new trademarks, proprietors are recommended to first register these new trademarks via Declarations of Ownership with the Registration Office and subsequently file them under the new electronic trademark system in order to take advantage of the common filing date.

The COVID-19 and political situation in Yangon

  • Myanmar is still suffering from a severe wave of COVID-19 infections, and movements remain restricted. Our IPTech team members are also encountering safety issues due to the escalating violence in Yangon.
  • To mitigate the risks of any collateral damage, all new Declarations of Ownership registrations will be consolidated and attended to once a month at the Registration Office.

We will continue to monitor these developments closely. Should you have questions or concerns, please contact any member of our team.

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