On 9 March 2023, the Myanmar Intellectual Property Department (“MIPD”) provided an important update on the new Trademark law in Myanmar.

The new Trademark law in Myanmar will come into force on 1 April 2023. The operative rules of the new Trademark law are expected to be issued in March 2023 followed by the establishment of the IP agency responsible for examining all applications filed during the “soft-opening” period.

In the meantime, the Office of the Registration of Deeds (“ORD”) is still accepting applications for Declaration of Ownership registrations under the current registration system.

However, only trademarks registered at the ORD before 31 March 2023 will be accepted for re-filing under the new Trademark law.

In light of these developments, trade mark owners who wish to obtain trade mark protection in Myanmar but have yet to register or renew their trade marks with the ORD should take immediate steps to do so.

Further announcements confirming the procedure for registration of trade marks and the official fees payable under the new Trademark law are expected to be issued by the IP agency in the coming weeks and we will keep you updated.