Conducting a trademark search in Laos – Why and How
Before filing a trademark application in Laos, it is advisable to conduct a search based on the trademark database of the Department of Intellectual Property of Laos (DIP) to determine the registrability of a proposed mark. Conducting a pre-filing trademark search is highly recommended for several reasons:
(i) Avoid potential trademark infringement: A trademark search conducted before filing a trademark application in Laos might help uncover any existing marks that may be similar to the one you intend to register. This can help you avoid infringing on the trademark rights of others and prevent costly legal disputes down the road.
(ii) Save time and resources: If a pre-filing trademark search reveals that your proposed trademark is already taken, you can avoid the time and expense of preparing and filing a trademark application that is likely to be rejected.
(iii) Improve chances of success: A pre-filing trademark search can help you determine the chances of successfully registering your trademark. This can help you identify any potential obstacles or objections that may arise during the application process, allowing you to address them before filing your application.
(iv) Increase market awareness: You can gain valuable insights into the types of products and services offered under similar trademarks through a pre-filing trademark search. This information can help you make informed decisions about your business strategy and avoid potential problems in the future.
(v) Know about the strenght of the proposed mark: The strength of a trademark refers to its ability to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one party from those of others. The stronger a trademark, the more likely it is to be granted trademark registration and provide the owner with a greater degree of protection. If the search reveals that there are already many similar trademarks in use, it may indicate that your proposed mark is weak and may not be easily distinguishable from others. On the other hand, if your proposed mark appears to be unique and not too similar to existing trademarks, it may be considered strong.