Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration in Laos: statutory documents, competent authority and legal basis
Who can apply
Both Lao citizens and foreigners may apply; the documents differ.
Competent authority: File at the IP Department of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Art.27, #1565).
At a glance
Where to apply: File at the IP Department of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Art.27, #1565).
Steps:
- Optionally request a search first (Art.6): result in 10 days, preliminary only
- Prepare the four Art.8 documents plus the fee receipt
- File; receive the filing number and date (Art.7); claim priority if applicable (Art.29)
How long: Search result in 10 working days (Art.6); the 60-day amendment line (Art.7); overall per the IP Department notice.
Cost: Search and application fees per the IP Department; fees not refunded on abandonment or rejection (Art.7); posted rate prevails.
Statutory document list
Patent registration
- Application on the IP Department printed form (Art.8.1) (required)
- Power / sub-power of attorney (if filed after the filing date, attach a copy of the receipt) (Art.8.2) (required)
- Proof of right: assignment / sub-assignment / inventor assignment (when the applicant is not the inventor; except when filed via PCT) (Art.8.3) (optional)
- Specification (claims, drawings, abstract). NEW (Art.8.4): if the invention or utility model derives from genetic resources, or from traditional knowledge directly or substantially associated with them, the source and the relevant local community or ethnic group must be stated — omitting it gets the file rejected. (required)
- Receipt for the search / application service fee and charges (Arts.6, 7) (required)
- Priority document (if any; a foreign-language one needs a later translation) (optional)
Petty patent registration
- Application on the IP Department printed form (Art.8.1) (required)
- Power / sub-power of attorney (if filed after the filing date, attach a copy of the receipt) (Art.8.2) (required)
- Proof of right: assignment / sub-assignment / inventor assignment (when the applicant is not the inventor; except when filed via PCT) (Art.8.3) (optional)
- Specification (claims, drawings, abstract). NEW (Art.8.4): if the invention or utility model derives from genetic resources, or from traditional knowledge directly or substantially associated with them, the source and the relevant local community or ethnic group must be stated — omitting it gets the file rejected. (required)
- Receipt for the search / application service fee and charges (Arts.6, 7) (required)
- Priority document (if any; a foreign-language one needs a later translation) (optional)
Annual fee / renewal / change / assignment
- Application on the IP Department printed form (Art.8.1) (required)
- Power / sub-power of attorney (if filed after the filing date, attach a copy of the receipt) (Art.8.2) (required)
- Proof of right: assignment / sub-assignment / inventor assignment (when the applicant is not the inventor; except when filed via PCT) (Art.8.3) (optional)
- Specification (claims, drawings, abstract). NEW (Art.8.4): if the invention or utility model derives from genetic resources, or from traditional knowledge directly or substantially associated with them, the source and the relevant local community or ethnic group must be stated — omitting it gets the file rejected. (required)
- Receipt for the search / application service fee and charges (Arts.6, 7) (required)
- Priority document (if any; a foreign-language one needs a later translation) (optional)
Statutory requirements
- The 60-day line (Art.7): a filing number and date are given with a receipt (once the Art.10 minimum is met). The applicant must supplement or amend within 60 days of the filing date under Arts.24/27, or the right is deemed abandoned; fees are not refunded on abandonment or rejection.
- Search is preliminary only (Art.6): request it at the IP Department or electronically, state the search information and pay the fee; results within 10 working days, but they are not legal evidence.
- Applicants abroad must have a place of business in Laos or an authorised agent (Art.27); earliest filing date prevails (Art.28).
Common issues
- New (Art.8.4): failing to state a genetic-resources / traditional-knowledge source gets the file rejected
- Do not miss the 60-day line (Art.7): lapse means abandonment and no refund
Legal basis (Lao Official Gazette texts)
Excerpt: Article 6 Search of Patents and Petty Patents Individuals, legal entities or organizations intending to request a search of patents and petty patents shall submit an application to the Department of Intellectual Property …
Excerpt: Article 7 Filing of Patent and Utility Model Applications Individuals, legal entities and organizations may file patent or utility model applications with the Department of Intellectual Property or through electronic mea …
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration in Laos?
Both Lao citizens and foreigners may apply; the documents differ. Competent authority: File at the IP Department of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Art.27, #1565)..
What documents are required for a Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration in Laos?
4 statutory items: Application on the IP Department printed form (Art.8.1); Power / sub-power of attorney (if filed after the filing date, attach a copy of the receipt) (Art.8.2); Specification (claims, drawings, abstract). NEW (Art.8.4): if the invention or utility model derives from genetic resources, or from traditional knowledge directly or substantially associated with them, the source and the relevant local community or ethnic group must be stated — omitting it gets the file rejected.; Receipt for the search / application service fee and charges (Arts.6, 7). Competent authority: File at the IP Department of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Art.27, #1565)..
What is the legal basis for a Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration in Laos?
Based on Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 27; Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 28; Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 29; Patent and Utility Model Agreement Article 6; Patent and Utility Model Agreement Article 7; Patent and Utility Model Agreement Article 8; Patent and Utility Model Agreement Article 10. The full texts are available in the LaoPaniti law library, sourced from the Lao Official Gazette.
Are there time limits or hard requirements for a Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration in Laos?
The 60-day line (Art.7): a filing number and date are given with a receipt (once the Art.10 minimum is met). The applicant must supplement or amend within 60 days of the filing date under Arts.24/27, or the right is deemed abandoned; fees are not refunded on abandonment or rejection. Search is preliminary only (Art.6): request it at the IP Department or electronically, state the search information and pay the fee; results within 10 working days, but they are not legal evidence. Applicants abroad must have a place of business in Laos or an authorised agent (Art.27); earliest filing date prevails (Art.28).
How much does a Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration cost in Laos and how long does it take?
Cost: Search and application fees per the IP Department; fees not refunded on abandonment or rejection (Art.7); posted rate prevails.. How long: Search result in 10 working days (Art.6); the 60-day amendment line (Art.7); overall per the IP Department notice..
Can LaoPaniti obtain the Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration for me?
LaoPaniti organises the document list, offers online form filling, document upload and pre-check hand-off by staff. It is not a government filing, does not represent acceptance or approval by any authority, and promises neither results nor expedited handling. Formal processing follows the current requirements of the File at the IP Department of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Art.27, #1565)..
Organise documents online and submit for pre-check →
Other matters
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