Patents, Utility Models, and Industrial Designs in Laos: Which One Should You Apply For?
老挝的专利、小专利和外观设计，到底该申请哪一种？
ສິດທິບັດ, ແບບອຸປະກອນໃໝ່ ແລະ ການອອກແບບຜະລິດຕະພັນອຸດສາຫະກຳຂອງລາວ, ຄວນຍື່ນຂໍອັນໃດ?
Published: 2026-07-14 · LaoPaniti legal guides
You have developed a new device in Laos, or designed a unique product appearance, and want to apply for Intellectual Property protection. But faced with the concepts of "Invention Patent," "Utility Model (Petty Patent)," and "Industrial Design," you might feel a bit confused. Don't worry, today LaoPaniti will help you clarify their differences.
Different Objects of Protection: Technical Solutions vs. Appearance
According to the Law on Intellectual Property, all three belong to industrial property, but the objects of protection are completely different.
- Invention Patent: Protects inventions that have Novelty, involve an inventive step, and are industrially applicable—that is, technical solutions for new products or new production processes. For example, if you invent a new coffee roasting machine that significantly improves efficiency, you can apply for an Invention Patent.
- Utility Model (Petty Patent): Usually used for technical improvements with a lower threshold. If your improvement does not require an "inventive step" like an Invention Patent but has practical value, such as adding an easier-to-clean filter to the roasting machine, applying for a Petty Patent is more suitable.
- Industrial Design: Protects the appearance of a product, such as the shape, pattern, or color combination of a coffee machine. As long as the appearance has Novelty and does not involve technical functions, it can be applied for.
Different Protection Terms: 20 Years, 10 Years, 15 Years
According to the relevant provisions of the Law on Intellectual Property, the protection terms of the three rights vary significantly:
- Invention Patent: The protection term is twenty years from the filing date or Priority Right date.
- Utility Model (Petty Patent): The protection term is ten years.
- Industrial Design: The protection term is fifteen years.
It should be noted that all three require annual advance payment of annual fees and Service fee/charge to maintain the protection term. If you forget to pay, the rights may lapse.
Application Process and Selection Suggestions
All three require application to the competent authority for registration, examination, issuance of a certificate, and publication in the official gazette. In practice, the choice depends mainly on your core needs:
- If it is a major technological breakthrough and you want the longest protection, choose an Invention Patent.
- If it is a small improvement with rapid iteration, choose a Petty Patent, which has relatively faster examination and lower costs.
- If only the product appearance is distinctive, choose an Industrial Design.
If you are unsure, it is recommended to consult a professional first. You can also use LaoPaniti's free AI consultation (https://www.123laoai.com) to clarify the direction before deciding on an application strategy.
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about Intellectual Property protection in Laos, you can check out our previous articles:
- "What Are the Consequences of Non-Compliant Invoices When Doing Business in Laos?"
- "Goods Entering Laos for Processing and Re-export: Temporary Import vs. Transit Import?"
This article is compiled by LaoPaniti for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.
FAQ
In Laos, what are the conditions for applying for a Petty Patent (Utility Model)?
According to the relevant provisions of the Law on Intellectual Property, a Petty Patent protects technical improvements with a lower threshold than an Invention Patent. It generally does not require an "inventive step" but must have Novelty and industrial applicability. Specific conditions should be consulted with the competent authority or a professional.
What is the protection term for an Invention Patent? Is annual payment required?
According to the Law on Intellectual Property, the protection term for an Invention Patent is twenty years from the filing date or Priority Right date. During the protection term, annual fees and Service fee/charge must be paid in advance each year; otherwise, the rights may lapse.
Does an Industrial Design protect function or appearance?
An Industrial Design protects the appearance of a product, such as shape, pattern, or color combination, and does not involve technical functions. If the appearance has Novelty, it can be applied for.
Legal basis
- 《知识产权法》第相关条款条
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