Myanmar: A careful approach to change

14-08-2020

Myanmar: A careful approach to change

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Myanmar’s IP system is undergoing fundamental change: in the coming year, the country will establish an IP office and begin to enforce new IP laws. Sarah Morgan speaks with Moe Moe Thwe, deputy director general of the country’s IP department, about the progress made so far.

Our vision is to become an established IP system that promotes innovation and creativity, and acts as a catalyst for our national economy,” says Moe Moe Thwe, deputy director general of Myanmar’s IP department.

Early last year, Myanmar passed a series of long-awaited IP bills, making fundamental changes to the IP framework in the country. In late January, Myanmar’s trademark and industrial design bills were signed into law by Win Myint, the country’s president. This was shortly followed by the patent bill and, a few months later, the copyright bill.

In the coming months, Myanmar will establish an IP office, IP rights registries and specialised IP courts. 


Myanmar, IP office, innovation, copyright bill, geographical indications, MIPRA, CCIPR, ASEAN, Madrid System, trademark system, first-to-file, IP laws

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