Myanmar's Intellectual Property (IP) department recently
celebrated its first year of operation. Progress has been
significant but slower than expected, according to practitioners.
Despite the political climate, foreign interest in Myanmar's IP
is still strong and could encourage other brands to register and
enforce their trade marks in Myanmar.
"Interest has almost remained the same despite the current
political and economic instability," observes Moe Mynn Thu, principal at
Rouse. "All of our existing foreign clients refiled their old
marks under the new Trademark Law and they, including new clients,
are filing new marks and actively protecting their rights in all
possible ways. Even though the registration of their marks is not
yet complete, some of them take enforcement action through
well-known mark status for the time being."
