Registering a Trademark in Laos: Follow These Steps to Protect Your Brand Without Pitfalls

在老挝注册商标，走好这几步，品牌保护不踩坑

ໃນການຂຶ້ນທະບຽນເຄື່ອງໝາຍການຄ້າຢູ່ລາວ, ຍ່າງຕາມຂັ້ນຕອນເຫຼົ່ານີ້, ການປົກປ້ອງຍີ່ຫໍ້ບໍ່ຕົກຂຸມ

Published: 2026-07-05 · LaoPaniti legal guides

You opened a restaurant in Laos, and business is booming. Then you find that the shop next door is using the exact same sign as yours—and they registered it first before you did. What to do? In Laos, trademark registration is the first step to protect your brand, but the process is not complicated. Just remember the key steps.

Step 1: Conduct a Search First to Avoid Wasting Application Fees

Before submitting an application, be sure to conduct a trademark search. The Intellectual Property Office under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will examine whether your trademark conflicts with any registered or prior-filed trademarks. If you apply without a search, your application may be rejected, wasting both money and time. LaoPaniti offers a free online trademark search tool. Go to https://www.123laoai.com, open the workspace → Trademark Registration, and you can quickly search.

Step 2: Select the Right Class for Full Protection

According to the Law on Intellectual Property of Laos, trademarks are protected by class of goods or services. You must select the appropriate class based on your actual business scope. For example, choose Class 43 for catering and Class 25 for clothing. Selecting the wrong class or missing a class may result in your core business not being protected. It is recommended to select the correct class based on your actual business scope and consult professionals if necessary.

Step 3: Submit the Application and Wait for Examination

Prepare the application materials (such as trademark specimen, list of goods/services, applicant information, etc.) and submit them to the Intellectual Property Office. The office will conduct a formality examination and a substantive examination to confirm compliance with the Law on Intellectual Property and relevant implementing regulations on trademarks. The examination timeline is subject to the current regulations of the competent authority in Laos and generally takes a few months.

Step 4: Publication and Certificate Issuance

After the examination is passed, your trademark will be published in the official Industrial Property Gazette to allow third parties to file oppositions. If there is no opposition or the opposition is unsuccessful, the office will issue a trademark registration certificate. Once you obtain the certificate, your brand is officially protected in Laos.

Practical Reminders

Each step in the trademark registration process has time limits; missing them may undo all progress.
If you cannot handle it yourself, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional agency.
LaoPaniti's free AI consultation and contract review tools can also help you mitigate risks. Visit https://www.123laoai.com to use them.

This article is compiled by LaoPaniti for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.

FAQ

How long does it take to register a trademark in Laos?

The examination timeline is subject to the current regulations of the competent authority in Laos and generally takes a few months, depending on the complexity of the case.

Is a trademark search mandatory?

It is strongly recommended. A search can identify conflicts with prior registered trademarks in advance, reducing the risk of wasted application fees. LaoPaniti provides a free online trademark search tool.

Can one trademark protect all goods and services?

No. According to the Law on Intellectual Property of Laos, trademarks are protected by class, and separate applications must be filed for different classes.

Legal basis

《知识产权法》第相关条款条

需要人办？相关服务在线提交 · ບໍລິການທີ່ກ່ຽວຂ້ອງ · Get it done

商标查重与近似风险初筛ຊ່ວຍຈົດທະບຽນເຄື່ອງໝາຍການຄ້າ

先做完全相同与近似风险初筛，输出可读风险摘要，再决定是否进入注册或人工复核。

在线提交需求 · ສົ່ງຄຳຂໍອອນລາຍ →

商标注册申请ຊ່ວຍຈົດທະບຽນເຄື່ອງໝາຍການຄ້າ

商标查重、类别建议、材料预审、递交路径辅导。