1. Search & Clearance Laos strictly follows the “First-to-File” principle. We conduct clearance searches to ensure your mark is not already registered.

• Note: Since the new law (2017), the term of protection is calculated from the filing date, making the initial filing timing critical.

2. Application Filing We handle the filing of your application with the DIP. Laos is a member of the Madrid Protocol, allowing for international designation, though national filings often grant faster protection certificates.

• Requirement: A clear specimen of the mark and a list of goods/services (Nice Classification).

3. Formal & Substantive Examination The DIP conducts a formal check (approx. 1 month) followed by a substantive examination to ensure distinctiveness.

• Timeline: The entire process typically takes 12–18 months.

4. Publication & Opposition (New Rule) CRITICAL: Under the new law, once the mark is published in the Official Gazette, third parties have a fixed 60-day window to file an opposition. We monitor this period closely to defend your application or oppose conflicting marks.

5. Registration & Renewal

• Validity: 10 years from the filing date (previously registration date).

• Renewal: Renewable every 10 years indefinitely. Applications can be filed 12 months before expiration.

1. Filing the Application We manage the filing of your patent specification in the Lao language. You can enter via the PCT National Phase (deadline: 31 months from priority date) or the Paris Convention (deadline: 12 months).

• Option: For minor inventions, we can file for a Petty Patent (Utility Model), which has a lower inventive threshold.

2. Publication Your application is published in the Official Gazette in the 19th month from the priority date for public inspection.

3. Request for Substantive Examination Strict Deadline: Examination is not automatic. We must file a specific request for Substantive Examination within 32 months from the filing/priority date for Inventions (or 12 months for Petty Patents). Missing this deadline causes the application to lapse.

4. Substantive Examination The DIP assesses the invention for Novelty, Inventive Step, and Industrial Applicability.

• Efficiency: Since the DIP relies on external search results, we can submit granted patents from other major offices (like EPO, JPO, or USPTO) to expedite the Lao grant.

5. Grant & Annuities Once granted, the patent is valid for 20 years (Petty Patents: 10 years) from the filing date.

• Maintenance: Annual fees are payable starting from the 5th year to keep the patent in force.