Intellectual Property lawyers in Myanmar (AS)

When hiring an intellectual property lawyer in Myanmar, look for these key qualifications:

• Law degree from a recognized university in Myanmar or abroad
• Registration with the Myanmar Bar Council
• Experience handling IP matters under Myanmar’s new 2019 IP laws
• Knowledge of international IP conventions that Myanmar has joined
• Language capabilities (Myanmar and English)
• Industry-specific experience relevant to your business sector

Many qualified IP attorneys in Myanmar are based in Yangon, with some maintaining offices in Mandalay or Nay Pyi Taw to facilitate interactions with government IP offices.

The trademark registration process in Myanmar transformed significantly since 2019 with the passage of the new Trademark Law. Key changes include:

1. Shift from Declaration of Ownership filing to a formal registration system
2. Implementation of first-to-file principle rather than first-to-use
3. Introduction of substantive examination procedures
4. Establishment of the Myanmar IP Office as the central registration authority
5. 10-year registration term with renewable periods

The new system requires applicants to file through patent attorneys in Myanmar or authorized representatives, making local legal assistance essential for proper trademark protection.

The main patent attorney firms in Myanmar are predominantly located in Yangon, particularly in the downtown business districts and Kamaryut township where many commercial offices are situated. Some established firms also maintain smaller offices in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, and Nay Pyi Taw, the administrative capital where the Myanmar Intellectual Property Office is based. Most patent attorneys in Myanmar work within full-service law firms that handle various aspects of intellectual property rather than in specialized patent-only practices, reflecting the developing nature of Myanmar’s IP landscape.

Foreign companies need local attorneys in Myanmar for IP protection because:

• Myanmar law requires local representation for formal IP filings
• Local attorneys understand Myanmar-specific filing requirements and procedures
• Documents must be translated into Myanmar language following specific guidelines
• Communication with the Myanmar IP Office in Nay Pyi Taw is more effective through local representatives
• Enforcement actions require knowledge of local court procedures in Yangon and other jurisdictions
• Local attorneys can monitor the market in Myanmar for potential infringements

Working with an attorney in Myanmar ensures compliance with local requirements while navigating the country’s evolving IP system.

In Myanmar, the industries filing the most trademark applications are:

1. Consumer goods and retail – particularly for products sold in markets throughout Yangon and Mandalay
2. Technology – driven by the growth of startups and IT companies in urban areas
3. Agriculture – especially for brands related to export products
4. Textiles – involving both local and international brands operating in the region
5. Pharmaceuticals – as healthcare products gain regulatory approval

This trend reflects the increasing awareness and understanding of intellectual property rights among businesses in Myanmar.