Trademarks in Laos

• Filing a trademark in Laos is relatively straightforward and multi-class applications are now allowed, since 1 February, 2016. However, we do not recommend filing multi-class application because it takes longer to examine multi-class applications and if one class is refused, the entire application is delayed.

​

• The application is filed with the Laos IP Office and our fees for filing a trademark in one class would be approximately US$500. We offer discounts on a case by case basis.

 

• The average time taken to obtain registration of a trademark is 6 to 10 months.

 

• The Laos IP Office may object to a trademark application for being non-distinctive, descriptive or even for being confusingly similar to another prior trademark. Sometimes, you may face objections to your goods or services applied for. When objections are raised, office actions are issued by the relevant examiner. 

 

• If you face objections (i.e. office actions), then you have the option of the overcoming these objections by filing a response with the Laos IP Office. For responding to office actions, we charge on a flat-fee basis rather than hourly rates. We would be happy to provide you with our preliminary assessment and quote upon request. The chances of success in overcoming any objections depend on the merits of each case.

 

• Laos adopts a “first to file” system so to protect your rights against potential infringers or copycats, we recommend you file your application as quickly as possible.

 

• Before embarking on any trademark application, engage us to conduct a trademark search on the Registry’s records to ascertain if your trademark is registrable and whether there are any confusingly similar marks that may block your trademark registration.

​​

• If you have a Lao trademark and would like to expand your business overseas, you may file your trademark nationally in different countries. Get in touch with us today for a fee quote!