In Laos, the legal framework for intellectual property (IP) is governed by the 2023 Law on Intellectual Property and administered by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). While the country has been modernizing its IP laws to align with international standards and attract foreign investment, enforcement capacity remains a challenge.

Types of IP Protection

• Trademarks
• P atents & Utility Models
• Industrial Designs
• Copyrights & Related Rights
• Geographical Indications (GIs)
• Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition
• •Plant Variety Protection (PVP)

Administrative Authority

• Managed by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC).
• DIP handles registration, administration, and enforcement of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and related rights.

Main IP Legislation

• Overall IP Framework : Law on Intellectual Property (Amended 2018) – consolidated law covering patents, trademarks, designs, GIs, and copyright
• Trademarks : Chapter 5 of the IP Law (2018)
• Patents & Utility Models : Chapter 2 of the IP Law (2018)
• Industrial Designs : Chapter 3 of the IP Law (2018)
• Copyrights & Related Rights : Chapter 8 of the IP Law (2018)
• Geographical Indications (GIs) : Chapter 6 of the IP Law (2018)
• Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition : Decree on Plant Variety Protection, No. 247/PM (2011)
• Plant Variety Protection (PVP) : Chapter 7 of the IP Law (2018)

Main IP Authority

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) is the central authority responsible for the administration, registration, and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Laos.

Web: www.dip.gov.la/en/