Can a Lao trademark be assigned or licensed? Written contract and registration are key

老挝商标能转让或授权吗？书面合同与登记是关键

ເຄື່ອງໝາຍການຄ້າລາວສາມາດໂອນ ຫຼື ອະນຸຍາດໃຊ້ໄດ້ບໍ? ສັນຍາເປັນລາຍລັກອັກສອນ ແລະ ການຂຶ້ນທະບຽນແມ່ນສຳຄັນ

Published: 2026-07-21 · LaoPaniti legal guides

You have worked hard to build a brand in Laos, but then your partner uses your trademark to sell inferior goods, or someone directly offers to buy your trademark—what should you do? Don't panic. Lao law allows trademark assignment and licensing, but improper handling may leave hidden risks.

Trademark Assignment: Outright sale or partial transfer?

Under the Intellectual Property Law, the owner of an industrial property right has the right to transfer all or part of their rights to others through sale, exchange, donation, etc. That is, you can sell the entire trademark to someone else, or only transfer the rights for certain goods or services. But note: the assignment must be in a written contract, clearly specifying the scope of rights transferred, territory, term, and fees. Major transactions usually require registration or filing for record; otherwise, they may not be enforceable against third parties.

Trademark Licensing: Authorize others to use, but don't lose control

Trademark owners may license others to use their trademarks. In practice, the license contract should specify the type of license (exclusive, sole, or non-exclusive), scope of use, territory, term, quality control, and fees. Without a written agreement, if the licensee's products have quality issues, your brand reputation may suffer. It is recommended to use LaoPaniti's AI contract review feature to scan for loopholes before signing.

Risks of non-registration: Disputes when cooperation ends

Whether for assignment or licensing, oral agreements or simple contracts may leave hidden risks. For example, the licensee may sublicense without authorization, or after assignment, the original trademark owner may continue using the trademark, causing disputes. Proper registration or filing for record clarifies the rights status and reduces future disputes.

Tip: If you are considering trademark assignment or licensing, you may first consult the AI for free at LaoPaniti (https://www.123laoai.com), or use the trademark search tool to confirm whether your brand has been registered by others. Additionally, the contract review function can help you quickly identify risky clauses.

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

FAQ

Is a written contract required for trademark assignment in Laos?

Yes, in practice, an assignment should be in a written contract, clearly specifying the scope of rights, territory, term, and fees. Major transactions usually require registration or filing for record to be more secure.

What are the consequences of not registering a trademark license?

Failure to register may result in unclear rights status. In case of disputes (e.g., unauthorized sublicensing or product quality issues by the licensee), the trademark owner may find it difficult to effectively enforce their rights.

Can a trademark assignment in Laos be limited to only some goods?

Yes. Under the Intellectual Property Law, the owner of an industrial property right has the right to transfer all or part of their rights to others, so the trademark rights for specific goods or services can be assigned alone.

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。