One Thing You Must Do Before Entering the Lao Market: Trademark Registration First, Don't Let Your Brand Work for Others

进老挝市场前必做的一件事：商标注册在先制，别让品牌为他人做嫁衣

ກ່ອນເຂົ້າຕະຫຼາດລາວ ຕ້ອງເຮັດສິ່ງໜຶ່ງ: ການຂຶ້ນທະບຽນເຄື່ອງໝາຍການຄ້າກ່ອນ ຢ່າໃຫ້ຍີ່ຫໍ້ກາຍເປັນເຄື່ອງນຸ່ງຂອງຄົນອື່ນ

Published: 2026-07-05 · LaoPaniti legal guides

You enter the Lao market with your brand and products full of confidence, only to find that your trademark has already been registered by someone else—perhaps a local partner, a former employee, or even a distributor. Under the Lao trademark system, the first to file gets the right, regardless of who used it first. This means the market you worked so hard to build could be taken over instantly.

Why Is the First-to-File Rule So Important?

Lao adopts the first-to-file system, meaning trademark rights are determined by the filing date, not the date of use. According to Article 3 of the Intellectual Property Law (Revised), a trademark is a sign used to distinguish the source of goods or services. If you fail to register in time and someone else files first, you will lose your trademark rights. You will then typically have only three options: buy it back, initiate opposition or invalidation proceedings, or rebrand. Whichever path you choose, the cost will be far higher than registering early.

How to Prevent Trademark Squatting?

Practical advice: Complete trademark registration after market research but before signing any cooperation agreements. First, conduct a search. The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) accepts trademark applications, and interested parties may file oppositions during the publication period. But searching is key to prevention. LaoPaniti offers a free online trademark search tool—you can check first and then decide on your registration strategy. Second, prepare application materials, including the trademark design, classes of goods or services, etc. Third, submit the application and follow up on the examination.

How to Maintain Rights After Registration?

Registering a trademark is not a one-time task. According to Article 5 of the Intellectual Property Law (Revised), intellectual property activities shall follow the principles of openness, transparency, and fairness. You need to monitor the market to prevent infringement by others. Once infringement is found, you can seek relief from the DIP or the court. Also, pay attention to trademark renewal to avoid invalidation due to expiration.

Don't let your brand work for others. Before entering the Lao market, search first, then register. LaoPaniti provides free AI consultation, contract review, and trademark search tools to help you easily protect your brand. Visit https://www.123laoai.com workspace → Trademark Registration to start searching now!

FAQ

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

Based on practical experience, it typically takes 12-18 months from filing to receiving the certificate, depending on the examination progress and whether any opposition arises.

If my trademark is squatted, can I get it back through opposition proceedings?

Yes, but you must file an opposition during the publication period and provide evidence proving the other party's bad faith or your prior rights. The procedure is complex, so it is advisable to consult a professional.

Is LaoPaniti's trademark search tool free?

Yes, LaoPaniti offers a free online trademark search tool to help you preliminarily assess risks before registration. Visit https://www.123laoai.com workspace → Trademark Registration to use it.

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