Trademark registration (register / renew / change / assign / licence / oppose) 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 provincial/capital Industry & Commerce Department or online (Art.7); administered by the IP Department (DIP).
At a glance
Where to apply: File at the provincial/capital Industry & Commerce Department or online (Art.7); administered by the IP Department (DIP).
Steps:
- Optionally search for similar marks first (TM10)
- Prepare the six Art.6 items; translate foreign attachments within 90 days
- File and receive the application number and date (Art.7)
How long: Prelim 60 days, opposition 60 days, substantive 90 days (Arts.17/18/19); per the IP Department notice.
Cost: Fees per class (Art.8) at the IP Department schedule; non-refundable on withdrawal/abandonment/rejection (Art.7).
Statutory document list
Register a new trademark
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- A clear specimen of the mark: drawing, photo, image or sample (Art.6.3) (required)
- Class and list of goods/services (collective/certification marks add a use, purpose and control statement) (Art.6.4) (required)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
Renewal (TM2)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
Change of name (TM3)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
Change of address (TM5)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
Change of name and address (TM4)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
Assignment (TM7)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
- Assignment agreement / proof (assignment, TM7) (required)
Licence recordal (TM6)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
- Trademark licence contract (recordal, TM6) (required)
Opposition (TM15)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
- Grounds and evidence for opposition (TM15; within 60 days of publication, IP Law Art.39) (required)
Correction (TM12) / reissue (TM13)
- Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1) (required)
- Power of attorney, original or copy (if using an agent) (Art.6.2) (optional)
- Priority document copy (if any; within 6 months, IP Law Art.29) (Art.6.5) (optional)
- Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6) (required)
- A Lao translation of foreign-language filings: within 90 days, certified by a licensed translation company and filed electronically, or the application is abandoned (Art.6 / IP Law Art.37) (optional)
Statutory requirements
- How & where to file: How to file: at the provincial/capital Industry & Commerce Department or electronically, on the IP Department form; the IP Department (DIP) decides (Art.7). You may use a licensed IP-registration agent (#1111, #1446).
- Three time limits: Three time limits (Arts.17/18/19): 60-day preliminary exam → publish within 15 days → 60-day opposition window → 90-day substantive exam if unopposed. Fix any deficiency within 10 working days of notice.
- Foreign text must be translated: Foreign text must be translated into Lao within 90 days, certified by a licensed translator and filed electronically, or the whole application is abandoned (Art.6 / Art.37).
- Per class, non-refundable: Fees are per class and non-refundable (Arts.7, 8): once withdrawn, abandoned or rejected, fees are not returned. Priority may be claimed within 6 months (IP Law Art.29).
- Naming & rights layout: Two tips: (1) descriptive/generic words get no exclusive right (Art.20) — do not name with only generic terms; (2) a trademark, a trade name and a domain are separate rights — register the ones you need.
Common issues
- No certified translation within 90 days = the whole application is abandoned (Art.6)
- Generic/descriptive names get no exclusive right (Art.20); fees are per class and non-refundable (Arts.7, 8)
Legal basis (Lao Official Gazette texts)
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a Trademark registration (register / renew / change / assign / licence / oppose) in Laos?
Both Lao citizens and foreigners may apply; the documents differ. Competent authority: File at the provincial/capital Industry & Commerce Department or online (Art.7); administered by the IP Department (DIP)..
What documents are required for a Trademark registration (register / renew / change / assign / licence / oppose) in Laos?
7 statutory items: Application on the IP Department form (matching TM form) (Art.6.1); A clear specimen of the mark: drawing, photo, image or sample (Art.6.3); Class and list of goods/services (collective/certification marks add a use, purpose and control statement) (Art.6.4); Fee and service-charge receipt (per class, Art.8) (Art.6.6); Assignment agreement / proof (assignment, TM7); Trademark licence contract (recordal, TM6); Grounds and evidence for opposition (TM15; within 60 days of publication, IP Law Art.39). Competent authority: File at the provincial/capital Industry & Commerce Department or online (Art.7); administered by the IP Department (DIP)..
What is the legal basis for a Trademark registration (register / renew / change / assign / licence / oppose) in Laos?
Based on Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 3; Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 29; Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 33; Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 37; Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 39; Intellectual Property Law (Revised) Article 40; Agreement on Trademarks Article 6; Agreement on Trademarks Article 7; Agreement on Trademarks Article 8; Agreement on Trademarks Article 17; Agreement on Trademarks Article 18; Agreement on Trademarks Article 19; Agreement on Trademarks Article 20; Decision on Licensing of Intellectual Property Registration Services Article ; Agreement on Intellectual Property Registration Service Representatives Article . 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 Trademark registration (register / renew / change / assign / licence / oppose) in Laos?
How & where to file: How to file: at the provincial/capital Industry & Commerce Department or electronically, on the IP Department form; the IP Department (DIP) decides (Art.7). You may use a licensed IP-registration agent (#1111, #1446). Three time limits: Three time limits (Arts.17/18/19): 60-day preliminary exam → publish within 15 days → 60-day opposition window → 90-day substantive exam if unopposed. Fix any deficiency within 10 working days of notice. Foreign text must be translated: Foreign text must be translated into Lao within 90 days, certified by a licensed translator and filed electronically, or the whole application is abandoned (Art.6 / Art.37). Per class, non-refundable: Fees are per class and non-refundable (Arts.7, 8): once withdrawn, abandoned or rejected, fees are not returned. Priority may be claimed within 6 months (IP Law Art.29). Naming & rights layout: Two tips: (1) descriptive/generic words get no exclusive right (Art.20) — do not name with only generic terms; (2) a trademark, a trade name and a domain are separate rights — register the ones you need.
How much does a Trademark registration (register / renew / change / assign / licence / oppose) cost in Laos and how long does it take?
Cost: Fees per class (Art.8) at the IP Department schedule; non-refundable on withdrawal/abandonment/rejection (Art.7).. How long: Prelim 60 days, opposition 60 days, substantive 90 days (Arts.17/18/19); per the IP Department notice..
Can LaoPaniti obtain the Trademark registration (register / renew / change / assign / licence / oppose) 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 provincial/capital Industry & Commerce Department or online (Art.7); administered by the IP Department (DIP)..
Organise documents online and submit for pre-check →
Other matters
Taxpayer identification number (TIN) · tax registration · China-Laos double-tax relief (treaty reduced rates / tax credit) · VAT registration and filing (enter the VAT system / monthly return / credit & refund) · Annual tax clearance and tax-payment certificate (annual financial report / clearance certificate) · Land title (land use certificate): registration / transfer / inheritance / mortgage / reissue · Business licence (enterprise registration certificate): new / change / reissue / dissolution · Business operating licence (sector licence) · Driving licence (civil vehicle) · Investment licence · Construction (building) permit: new build / extension / change of use / repair / rebuild / demolition · Environmental certificate · Environmental impact assessment of an investment project (IEE / detailed ESIA) · Social security registration (employer registering the unit and its workers / individual voluntary enrolment) · Social security benefit claim (pension / disability / work-injury / sickness / maternity / unemployment / death / survivor / caregiver) · Precious-items (incl. gold) import/export permit · central-bank track · Certificate of Origin for exports (preferential origin: Confirmation of Product Originality + preferential Certificate of Origin / exporter self-certification) · Employment registration and foreign-worker permit (quota · entry approval · work permit · renewal) · Import-export licence and trader registration certificate · Mineral licences: field data collection, prospecting, exploration, feasibility study and mining · Tourism business licence: accommodation, restaurants, entertainment, guiding, travel agency and other categories · Electricity business licence: general electricity services, specific power generation, and transmission line concessions · Food registration certificate for industrial plants, family-scale workshops and imported food · Road transport business licence: passenger transport, freight, terminals, vehicle hire and logistics · Licence for a pharmaceutical or medical product business, and product registration · Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence · Animal & animal-product import/export/transit quarantine (IET) · Plant & plant-product import/export/transit quarantine · Patent / petty patent (utility model) registration · Industrial design registration (register / renew / assign / licence / change / oppose) · Copyright & related-rights registration (information filing / certificate copy / cancellation) · New plant variety protection (breeder's right registration) · Foreign company representative office (set up / renew / amend / close) · FDI foreign-exchange registration (investment account / capital-inflow certificate / repatriation) · External-borrowing & trade-credit forex registration (offshore account / lending abroad / borrowing from abroad / trade credit) · Payment service provider licence (new / renew / add service / cross-border) · Electronic signature / digital certificate (personal / legal-entity seal / staff / CA licence) · Private education institution setup (school / vocational / training) · Fire safety acceptance / permit (building · hotel · mall · factory · warehouse · gas) · Financial institution setup (bank/branch · microfinance · payment) · Veterinary clinic / animal-drug shop licence · Insurance business licences: insurer, reinsurer, broker and agent · Printing and publishing: the printing permit and the licences for publishers, print shops and distributors · Internet service business licence: domestic, international and satellite · Postal service business licence: international, nationwide, provincial and postal financial or product services · Setting up and operating a wood-processing factory: sawmills, processing plants and furniture factories · Divorce registration and the divorce certificate, by agreement or by court judgment · Inheritance: opening a will, certifying estate documents and registering the transfer of property · Tourist visa T-B3: where to apply, how it may be extended, and when it is the wrong visa · Health checks and health certificates: who must be examined, and how often · Economic dispute mediation (apply for mediation / file a defence at the Economic Dispute Resolution Centre) · Lao (.la) domain-name registration (new / change / renewal / transfer / subdomain) · Notarisation (documents / contracts / certified copies; in Lao, foreign-language papers must be translated) · Household book reissue / update · Birth certificate · Single / marital status certificate · Marriage registration · No-criminal-record certificate · Residence / address certificate · Kinship certificate · Land / house basic documents · Vehicle sale / transfer documents · Stay permit / residence permit card · Work visa / work permit pre-check