22 November

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Patent refusal in Vietnam: Reasons & Suggestions for Applicants

Download Filing a patent application is a significant step towards protecting your intellectual property. However, the journey doesn't end with submission; patent applicants often encounter substantive office actions, crucial points where the patent office reviews the application in detail. Understanding these office actions is vital for a successful patent approval process. In Vietnam, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM) handles these proceedings. This article aims to shed light on substantive office actions for patent applications in Vietnam and offer insights on how to navigate through them effectively. 1. Substantive Examination Stage The substantive examination, as stipulated in Rule 15.6 of Circular...

17 November

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Patent Examination, Opposition, and Registration in Myanmar – What You Need to Know

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Myanmar, Notable Articles, Patent/Petty Patent

Download Patents hold a pivotal significance in safeguarding innovation, making a profound impact on shielding intellectual property. Acquiring insight into the patent procedure is of utmost importance for inventors and enterprises aiming to preserve their inventive creations. Myanmar's patent journey encompasses various phases, starting from preliminary assessment to formal registration, encompassing facets like objection, reinstatement of rights, and global implications. 1. Responsibilities of the Examiner An Examiner shall perform the following actions in relation to patent applications: (i) Classify the invention in accordance with international classifications; (ii) Examine whether the invention adheres to the provisions outlined in sections 19 and 20, and (iii)...

17 November

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Patent Process in Myanmar: Examination, Opposition, and Registration

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Myanmar, Notable Articles, Patent/Petty Patent

Download The patent process is a crucial aspect of intellectual property protection, granting inventors exclusive rights to their creations. In Myanmar, the patent process involves several stages, including examination, opposition, and registration. These stages play a pivotal role in determining the fate of a patent application and ensuring that the granted patents adhere to legal and regulatory standards. This article will delve into the intricacies of each stage and shed light on the key aspects of the patent process in Myanmar. 1. Examination stage The examination stage is a pivotal step in the patent process, where a patent examiner assesses the patent application's...

02 November

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How to amend patent applications in Myanmar

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Myanmar, Notable Articles, Patent/Petty Patent

Download Patent applications are crucial steps in protecting innovative inventions, but they are not always flawless. Mistakes and oversights can occur during the application process, necessitating provisions for amendments and corrections. Section 28 of the Myanmar Patent Law addresses these concerns, empowering patent applicants with the opportunity to refine and perfect their applications before the grant of a patent. This article explores the key provisions outlined in Section 28 and provides illustrative examples to better understand their practical applications. Amending patent applications: Correcting errors and oversights Section 28(a) grants patent applicants the right to request amendments to their patent applications to rectify text...

31 October

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From Geography to Goodwill: The Battle over Trademark Distinctiveness in Myanmar

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Myanmar, Notable Articles, Trademark

Download For the past two decades, B. Lall (the Plaintiff) had been operating under the distinguished trademark "RANGOON OPTICAL WORKS," selling spectacles in the vibrant cities of Prome and Paungde. The Plaintiff detected that Mr. Ko Maung Ngwe sold spectacles under the same mark. As such, the Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against Mr. Ko Maung Ngwe (the Defendant) for their use of the same trademark, "RANGOON OPTICAL WORKS," in relation to spectacles. The core issue at hand was whether the term "RANGOON," with its geographical reference, could be deemed distinctive and protectable as a trademark in Myanmar. Case brief The Plaintiff's initial pursuit...

30 October

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Enforcing Trademark Rights in Myanmar – Essential Considerations

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Myanmar, Notable Articles, Trademark

Download In the competitive landscape of business, trademarks are the lifeblood of a company's identity and reputation. They are symbols of trust, quality, and recognition in the market. The more well-known a mark is, the more vulnerable to infringement it is. However, as a trademark infringement case in Myanmar reveals, the more renowned a mark becomes, the more susceptible it becomes to infringement. This case sheds light on the intricate challenges involved in protecting a well-known mark within the vibrant market of Myanmar. Facts E. Mohamed Ebrahim & Anr, the Appellants-Plaintiffs, operated as importers and wholesalers, offering a diverse range of goods, including...

25 October

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Brand protection at the Lao border: insights and strategies from the front line

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles

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25 October

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Fighting Counterfeits And Trademark Squatting In Vietnam: A perspective from Foellie case

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Vietnam

Download In the 2022 statistics recently published by the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, it was revealed that Korea stands as Vietnam's leading foreign investor. With an impressive investment of over 80 billion USD and nearly 9,500 registered projects, Korea's substantial contribution demonstrates remarkable confidence in the Vietnamese market. However, this trust is currently under threat due to a concerning trend: the increasing prevalence of counterfeit products and brand speculation. To cope with these pressing issues, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) – held a seminar titled “Current Situation and Solutions for Identifying Counterfeit Goods and Intellectual Property Violations from the...

18 October

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What is the Process of Customs Recordal for Trademarks in Myanmar?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Myanmar, Notable Articles, Trademark

Download The Ministry of Planning and Finance of Myanmar issued Notification No. 50/2023, outlining the rules, requirements, and procedures for registered trademark owners to safeguard their intellectual property rights through customs recordation. This notification provides a framework for trademark owners to avail customs protection against counterfeiting and protect their brands in cross-border trade. Customs recordal or customs watch (customs supervision) is of paramount importance as an IPR enforcement strategy for IPR holders in Myanmar. The customs authority in Maynmar serves as a gatekeeper, playing a crucial role in preventing the entry of trademarked counterfeits into the country. By prioritizing customs recordal or...

13 September

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Overcoming refusal of patent applications in Vietnam – What strategies?

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles

The initial "patent" application faced a denial, leading to the most likely course of action being an amendment of the set of claims to secure a "utility solution" patent. Faced with the second refusal notice from the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM), many applicants tend to opt for the straightforward route of converting their applications from "invention" to "utility solution". This choice is often made under the belief that obtaining any kind of patent is preferable to facing a final rejection. However, with a well-thought-out strategy, applicants can still pursue their patent applications without the need to convert...