Myanmar’s Intellectual Property Law: Recent Legal Developments and Practical Challenges

In 2023, all Intellectual Property Laws of Myanmar entered into force. In order to obtain legal protection, intellectual property right holders are required to register their intellectual property excluding copyright and related rights. Although the Copyright Law of Myanmar grants automatic protection to copyright and related rights owners, registration is remains necessary in practice to effectively secure the rights of right holders and to avoid disputes. 

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International Filing Under Myanmar Intellectual Property Law

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Myanmar’s Intellectual Property Laws contain provisions relating to international registration systems. However, in order to implement international filing mechanisms, Myanmar must first become a signatory to the relevant international intellectual property treaties. Even after ratification, further development will be required, particularly in the area of patent filings, such as conducting substantive examination in Myanmar. 

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On 27 October 2025, the Intellectual Property Department of Myanmar (IPD) issued an announcement concerning substantive examination for patents. According to this announcement, patents first filed in Myanmar before being filed in foreign jurisdictions will undergo substantive examination at the Foreign Intellectual Property Office in collaboration with IPD Myanmar.

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However, the procedures, requirements and official fees for conducting such examinations have not yet been issued. Therefore, in order to conduct substantive examination independently in the future, Myanmar needs to build experience in this area as well as develop the capacity to perform necessary tasks for international filings of trademarks, industrial designs and copyrights. 

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In addition, Myanmar remains restricted from accepting patent applications for pharmaceutical products and processes until 1 January 2033. Any amendment to this restriction requires approval from Trade Related Aspect of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Council under World Trade Organization (WTO). In seeking such approval, Myanmar may be required to provide evidence of relevant grounds and developments. 

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Geographical Indication

Myanmar does not have a separate law governing geographical indications. Instead, geographical indications are regulated under the Trademark Law of Myanmar 2019. On 21 November 2025, IPD Myanmar issued rules and specified application forms for geographical indication filings. At the present, official fees and the commencement date for accepting geographical indication applications have not yet been announced.

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Mediation for Disputes

Court-based dispute resolution mechanism is effective in recovering losses and may prevent additional infringements. However, court procedures take more time than other dispute resolution methods. Mediation is one of the dispute resolution mechanisms permitted under the Intellectual Property Laws of Myanmar. Mediation is particularly suitable for intellectual property disputes where confidentiality, cost efficiency and preservation of business relationships are important considerations. Unlike court proceedings, mediation may require only short period to solve disputes. IPD Myanmar has indicated plans to establish a dedicated mediation center for intellectual property disputes in the future which expected to provide an alternative and efficient means of resolving IP-related conflicts.

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Trade Challenges in Myanmar

Myanmar provides protection to intellectual property right holders with the support of the Police Force, the Custom Department and the Competition Commission of Myanmar in trading sector. A custom recordation system is available for trademark, copyright and related rights to prevent the importation of pirated goods. However, illegal trade activities continue to occur and pose ongoing risks to intellectual property right holders. In addition, the Intellectual Property Laws of Myanmar do no currently contain explicit provisions addressing parallel importation. 

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Conclusion: Current Developments in Myanmar Intellectual Property Law

Myanmar has made notable progress in establishing a legal framework for intellectual property protection following the enforcement of its Intellectual Property Laws in 2023.

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Nevertheless, a number of practical and institutional challenges remain particularly in relation to international filing mechanisms, patent substantive examination, geographical indication registration and dispute resolution mechanisms which requires further regulatory development and institutional capacity building.

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Strengthening cooperation with international intellectual property frameworks, enhancing administrative expertise and addressing gaps such as parallel importation will be essential. Further reforms and policy measures are expected to improve and strengthen Myanmar’s intellectual property over time.

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