概要:
カンボジア労働法（1997年3月13日制定、2007年、2018年、2021年改正）は、外国人労働者がカンボジア労働職業訓練省（MLVT）から労働許可証および雇用カードを取得することを義務付けています。2014年8月20日、MLVTは外国人労働者雇用に関する大臣令No. 196を発行し、続いて2024年8月12日には通知No. 022/24 ក.ប/ស.ជ.ណ.ម.ហを発表しました 。

主な規定:

1. 事業体設立の手続き:

1. 1. (1) 事業体はカンボジア労働職業訓練省に対し、外国人労働者雇用許可証を申請しなければなりません。ただし、カンボジア人労働者総数の10%を超えてはなりません。
   2. (2)  雇用契約の登録が必要です。
   3. (3)  外国人労働許可証および外国人雇用カードを申請します。

2. 外国人労働者の手続き:

1. 1. (1)  外国人は事業体の所有者または責任者に、労働職業訓練省が発行した外国人労働者雇用許可証を提示するよう依頼します。
   2. (2)  外国人は事業体の所有者または責任者と雇用契約を締結します。
   3. (3)  外国人労働許可証および外国人雇用カードを申請します。

3. 必要書類:

申請はウェブサイト www.fwcms.mlvt.gov.kh を通じて行い、以下の書類を提出します：

• • •  パスポート
  • •  最新の事業登録税証明書
  • •  健康診断書
  • •  4×6cmの写真

4. 罰則:

2025年内に労働許可証を申請しなかった場合、工場および事業体は、1人当たりKHR 12,600,000（約USD 3,150）の罰金を課されます。この罰金額は、2023年7月31日付の省間令No. 498の付属書1「労働法違反者への金銭的罰則」のNo.106に基づきます。

結論:

     カンボジア労働法は、外国人労働者に対し、カンボジア労働職業訓練省（MLVT）から労働許可証および雇用カードを取得する義務を課しています。この法律は、雇用者および外国人労働者の双方に対し、必要書類の要件や不遵守に対する罰則（2025年には1人当たりKHR 12,600,000、約USD 3,150）を規定しています。
　外国人労働者が労働許可証および雇用カードを取得した後は、カンボジア大使館、オンライン（www.evisa.gov.kh）、またはカンボジア国際国境にて労働ビザを申請することができます。これらの規定は労働基準の遵守を確保し、外国人労働者のカンボジア社会への統合を促進するものです。

• •  著者:
  • •  Vicheka Lay
  • •  Hort Lypheng
• •  連絡先:

Ilawcambodia@ilawasia.com

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Since 9 June 2022, cannabis and hemp are no longer classified as narcotics under the Narcotics Code, which may lead to widespread possession, consumption, and use. This situation could have significant impact on public health, economy, and society.
To address these concerns and align with government policy, on 6 November 2024, the Ministry of Public Health has proposed the Cabinet, a new draft bill to regulate the cultivation, production, import, export, sale, and advertisement of cannabis, hemp, and their extracts (the “Draft Bill”). The Draft Bill is currently under review and consideration by the Cabinet.

KEY PROVISIONS OF THE DRAFT BILL
A. Licensing Requirements

The Draft Bill establishes that the cultivation, production, import, and sale of cannabis, hemp, and their extracts require licenses from the Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
The application for a license to cultivate cannabis or hemp will be categorized based on the size of the cultivation area:

• • • Small area : Not exceeding 5 rai (approximately 1.98 acres)
    • Medium area : More than 5 rai but not exceeding 20 rai (approximately 7.91 acres)
    • Large area : More than 20 rai but not exceeding 400 rai (approximately 158.16 acres)

In addition to a general license, the import and export of cannabis, hemp, and their extracts will require a specific permit for each transaction.

B. Exempt Activities

The Draft Bill exempts the following activities from licensing requirements:

• • • The production, export, or sale of roots, branches, leaves, stems, or seeds of cannabis or hemp (excluding cannabis and hemp flowers).
    • The prescription of cannabis, hemp, or their extracts for the treatment, care, alleviation of human ailments, or disease prevention by licensed medical practitioners, dentists, Thai traditional medical practitioners, applied Thai traditional medical practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners, or folk medical practitioners, as defined under the laws on Thai traditional medical professions.

C. Applicant Eligibility

Applicants for the licenses must not possess any prohibited characteristics as specified in the Draft Bill. In addition, the following eligibility criteria apply:

• • • Individuals must be Thai nationals, of at least 20 years old, and residents of Thailand and has no prohibited characteristics under the law.
    • Companies must be Thai nationality with its office in Thailand, with directors who are Thai nationals and of at least 20 years old and has no prohibited characteristics under the law.
    • A community enterprise that is not a legal entity under the law on community enterprises with its representative who is Thai national and of at least 20 years old and has no prohibited characteristics under the law.
    • The Thai Red Cross Society or a government agency with related responsibilities under the law.

D. License Validity and Renewal

Licenses are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance and must be renewed before expiration.

E. Limitation on the Use of Cannabis, Hemp and Their Extracts

The Draft Bill prohibits any consumption of cannabis, hemp and their extracts, except the following cases:

• • 1. Treatment, relieve of pain for human and prevention from diseases including the use for wellness under the control of licensed medical practitioners, dentists, Thai traditional medical practitioners, applied Thai traditional medical practitioners, Chinese medicine practitioners, or folk medical practitioners, as defined under the laws on Thai traditional medical professions;
    2. Research by government authorities, research for medical study, pharmaceutical study or science, medical pharmaceutical or science service, for the benefit of medical use, pharmaceutical use, Red-Cross use or academic use; and
    3. Production of herbal products, medical products, food products, cosmetic products or other products as specified by relevant laws and regulations.

F. Fees

License fees will be determined by ministerial regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Health, subject to the maximum rates outlined in the annex to the Draft Bill. Fee amounts may vary based on the cultivation area, the quantities of cannabis, hemp or their extracts, or the size of the licensee’s business.

G. Advertisement

The Draft Bill prohibits the advertisement or marketing communication of cannabis flowers or resin, hemp flowers or resin, extracts, and tools or equipment related to cannabis smoking. Additionally, all other advertisements concerning cannabis, hemp, or their extracts must not be false, misleading, or exaggerated, nor support or encourage illegal or immoral actions.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the new Draft Bill offers a clearer regulatory framework for the cultivation, production, import, export, sale, and advertisement of cannabis, hemp, and their extracts, addressing significant gaps in the existing legislation. While the timeline for its enactment remains uncertain, the approval process by the Cabinet and Parliament is underway, with expectations that the new law could be in place by Q2 of 2025. Once enacted, this legislation will not only enhance legal clarity but also bolster the stability and growth potential of the cannabis and hemp industries in Thailand, creating a more secure environment for investors and entrepreneurs.

For businesses navigating these changes, ILAWASIA offers expert legal advice and regulatory support to help clients stay compliant and seize emerging opportunities in this dynamic sector. Let us be your trusted partner in ensuring your business thrives in the evolving legal landscape.

AUTHOR:
Tanadee Pantumkomon, Partner
Wachinorot Siladet, Associate
Phoomphop Rungsri, Associate

Overview:
    The Cambodian Labor Law, enacted on March 13, 1997, and amended in 2007, 2018, and 2021, requires foreign workers to obtain a work permit and employment card from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT). On August 20, 2014, MLVT issued Prakas No. 196 on foreign labor employment, followed by Notification No. 022/24 ក.ប/ស.ជ.ណ.ម.ហ, on August 12, 2024,

Key Provisions:
1. The Procedure for Enterprise Establishment:

• – Firstly, the enterprise shall apply for a letter permit of employment for foreigner labour from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, not more than 10% of the total number of Cambodian workers.
• – Secondly, registration of employment contract.
• – Lastly, apply for a foreigner work permit and foreigner employment card.

2. The Procedure for Foreigners:

• – Firstly, the foreigner shall request the owner or director of the enterprise to present a letter permit of employment for foreigner labour issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training
• – Secondly, the foreigner shall sign an employment contract with the owner or director of the enterprise establishment.
• – Lastly, apply for a foreigner work permit and foreigner employment card.

3. Documents require
     Submit the application on www.fwcms.mlvt.gov.kh with a passport, recent patent tax certificate, health checkup certificate, and a 4×6 cm photo.

4. Penalty
     Failure to apply for a work permit for the year 2025 within the deadline shall result in factories and enterprises being subject to a penalty of KHR 12,600,000 (about USD3,150) per person, in accordance with the No.106 in Annex 1of PraKas of Inter-Ministerial No. 498 dated 31 July 2023 on the Monetary Fine for those who Violate the Labour Law.

Conclusion:
    In conclusion, the Cambodian Labor Law mandates that foreign workers obtain a work permit and employment card from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT). The law outlines clear procedures for both employers and foreign workers, including documentation requirements and penalties for non-compliance, which may reach KHR 12,600,000 (approximately USD 3,150) per worker in 2025.
    Once a foreigner obtains a work permit and employment card, a foreigner can apply for a work visa either at a Cambodian embassy abroad, online via www.evisa.gov.kh, or at Cambodia’s international borders. These regulations ensure adherence to labour standards and facilitate the integration of foreign labour in Cambodia.

Authors:

Vicheka Lay; and

Hort Lypheng

Contact Detail:         

Ilawcambodia@ilawasia.com

ニュース速報：
タイ、国際商標登録に対する現地登録証の発行を開始

タイが2017年にマドリッド議定書に加盟して以来、国際商標登録（IR）の手続きはよりスムーズになりました。しかし、タイ商標局（TMO）の技術的な問題により、タイを指定した国際商標登録に対するタイでの登録証の発行が遅れていました。この度、タイ商標局はこの問題を解決し、タイを指定した国際商標登録に対する登録証の発行を開始しました。これにより、公的な認証を待っていたブランド所有者にとって大きな進展となりました。

長年、タイ商標局は世界知的所有権機関（WIPO）による登録許可の声明に基づき、タイでの登録証を発行することを約束していましたが、商品およびサービスの仕様に関する暫定的拒絶通報が原因で遅延していました。2024年8月時点でタイ商標局は技術的な問題を解決し、同年9月初旬から登録書の発行を開始しています。

タイ商標局は、まず2017年および2018年に提出されていた申請から未処理案件を処理しています。暫定的拒絶通報を受けなかった国際商標登録については順次登録証が発行されています。この進展により、長らくタイでの公的な登録証を待っていたブランド所有者にとって朗報となります。

今後の進展
タイ商標局が未処理案件に取り組む中で、特に暫定的拒絶通報を受けた国際商標登録指定を含むポートフォリオについては再確認されることをお勧めします。この進展は、タイにおける商標登録手続きにおける重要な変化を示しており、国際的な商標出願者にとって、より明確で効率的な保護が提供されることになります。

ブランド所有者は、これらの変更について最新の情報を確認し、ポートフォリオに関するサポートが必要な場合はご連絡ください。

著者

• Somphob Rodboon, Managing Partner
• Thanapha Phetkeereeskul, Senior Associate
• Gensei Ohama, Attorney-at-Law
• Contact us at JapanDesk@ilawasia.com

On 17 September 2024, the General Department of Taxation, under the Ministry of Economy and Finance, issued an instruction on the procedure for business dissolution permanently. According to Paragraph 2 of Article 203 of the Law on Taxation 2023, “businesses must inform the tax administration within 15 days if there are changes to their address, format, name, business objective, transfer, dissolution, management structure, or the person in charge of tax affairs of the enterprise.”

I. Procedure for Application for Business Dissolution Permanently

1.) Application:
Taxpayers can apply for business dissolution permanently with one of the following options:

• Option 1: File the application at www.registrationservices.gov.kh. (Taxpayers can find more about the guidelines in the booklet “How to apply for changes in registration of the company or enterprise’s information.”)
• Option 2: Apply to the tax administration by completing the application for business dissolution permanently (Form 103) and must be signed by the governor, manager, owner, or a representative with a legal authorization letter, with the required documents attached. Taxpayers choosing this option can apply:
  • •By the Electronic Tax Administration (GDT e-Administration) program:
    1. Step 1: Download the e-tax administration software from www.tax.gov.kh, select the e-tax services, and set-up this software on the taxpayer’s computer.
    2. Step 2: Use your existing account to access other General Department of Taxation systems or programs. If you don’t have an account, click “Create a new account” to register.
    3. Step 3: Select the type of applicant as a taxpayer or tax service agent.
    4. Step 4: Click on the menu “Create a new administrative letter”, then enter the information of the applicant, enter the subject “business dissolution permanently” and select “General Department of Taxation.”
    5. Step 5: Attach the administrative letter as a PDF format, check and verify the information, re-enter any details if needed, and click ‘Send’ to submit it to the General Department of Taxation. Taxpayers can print a receipt to track their documents. The officer will review the application and email approval or rejection through GDT e-Administration.
  • • Or apply directly at the General Department of Taxation or a provincial tax branch.

After submitting the application, the taxpayer will receive an acceptance letter from the tax administration. For enterprises not yet registered for tax or lacking updated information, taxpayers must apply for tax registration or apply to update their enterprise information before they can apply for business dissolution permanently.

2.) Required Documents

• • A letter of notification on business dissolution permanently.
• • An application of business dissolution permanently. (An application form of 103 can be downloaded from the official website of the General Department of Taxation, www.tax.gov.kh)
• • A receipt of stamp duty on legal documents on the closure of the company for 1,000,000 (one million) Riels. (For companies registered with the competent ministry)

II. Obligation of Taxpayers to Apply for Business Dissolution Permanently

1.  1.To apply for permanent business closure, the taxpayer must first complete the accounting records, submit the monthly tax returns, and file the annual income tax return by the business’s final closure date.
2. 2.Once the tax administration receives the application of business dissolution permanently, the taxpayer no longer needs to file monthly or annual tax returns. The business’s electronic tax management systems or services will be shut down, except for tax payment and tax debt payment services. Tax certificates, such as tax patent, tax registration certificates, or VAT certificates, incentives, and/or other enterprise permits issued by the General Department of Taxation, will be suspended indefinitely. The business will also be unable to issue tax or regular invoices for any transactions, including imports and exports.

III. Penalties for Non-Compliance under Tax Laws

Failure to register with the tax administration or to update registration information after receiving more than two warning letters from the tax administration results in a penalty of 5,000,000 (five million) Riels. In cases of double jeopardy under this act, offenders shall be punished by imprisonment from 1 (one) month to 1 (one) year and a fine ranging from 50,000,000 (fifty million) Riels to 100,000,000 (one hundred million) Riels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the General Department of Taxation has established clear steps and strict requirements for permanent business closure. Businesses must apply within 15 days, either online or directly, with necessary documentation. Once approved, tax responsibilities and certifications are indefinitely suspended, ending all business transactions. The tax administration may inspect and audit the business per the tax audit guidelines, requiring full cooperation from taxpayers. Non-compliance can lead to heavy penalties and imprisonment, stressing the importance of following these rules.

Overview:

On October 27, 2021, the Royal Government of Cambodia issued Sub-Decree No. 206 អនក្រ.បក, establishing the National Committee for Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR). The NCIPR promotes national IP policies, enhances cooperation among ministries, organizes educational programs, and enforces IP laws according to Cambodia’s international commitments. It can also receive technical assistance from national and international partners. Sub-Decree No. 142 អនក្រ.បក from September 18, 2008, regarding the National Committee for Intellectual Property Management, is now null and void.

Key Provisions:

1. Committee Composition:

• The National Committee for Intellectual Property Right (NCIPR) is chaired by the Minister of Commerce.
• The permanent vice-chair is a Secretary of State from the Ministry of Commerce, who is essential to the committee’s continued operations.
• Additional vice-chairs include a Secretary of State from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation
• The committee includes representatives from various ministries, including the Council of Ministers, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Education, Environment, Information, Justice, Telecommunications, Health, Tourism, Women’s Affairs, and Labor.

2. Roles and Responsibilities:

• Act as the main coordinator for international cooperation on intellectual property (IP) with countries and organizations.
• Support the drafting and enforcement of IP laws and compliance with international treaties.
• Promote strong enforcement of IP laws to prevent infringement, unfair competition, and rights violations, including those related to genetic resources and cultural practices.
• Work on implementing the Nagoya Protocol for fair distribution of benefits from genetic resources.
  

3. Governance:

     The committee meets at least once a year, with members attending by the chairman’s invitation. If the chairman is absent, a vice-chairman may lead. Meeting procedures are set by internal regulations. The committee is supported by a secretariat in the Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Commerce, led by its director and including vice-chairmen and technical officers from relevant ministries.

4. Budget and Funding: 

     The committee’s operational funds come from the national budget, as outlined in the Ministry of Commerce’s annual budget. To fulfil its mandates effectively, the committee may also accept and manage funds from international cooperation and other legal sources.

Conclusion:

     The National Committee for Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) was established under international agreements and national policies to play a key role in protecting intellectual property in Cambodia. It strengthens the legal framework, fosters innovation and creativity, and supports economic growth. By safeguarding the rights of inventors, creators, and businesses, the NCIPR helps create a more competitive and prosperous in Cambodia.

New Amendment on the “2023 Law on IP” in Lao PDR

On March 1, 2024, the Lao Official Gazette published the newly amended Law on Intellectual Property No. 50/NA, dated November 20, 2023 (the “2023 Law on IP”). This amendment introduces significant updates to Laos’ intellectual property framework, aiming to enhance IP protection and align with international standards.

To help you understand these important changes, we have prepared a comprehensive Q&A covering the key takeaways you should be aware of. This guide addresses the most critical updates in the 2023 Law on IP and their potential impact on businesses and IP owners operating in Laos.

Stay informed and make sure your IP strategy is aligned with the latest legal developments. Below are the key insights from the updated law:

What are the key differences between the 2023 Law on IP and previous amendments in 2017 and 2011, particularly in terms of trademark protection and enforcement?

Term of protection

The terms of trademark protection set out by the 2011 Law on IP provided that the term protection of trademarks shall be 10 years from the date of registration whilst the terms of trademark protection set out by the newly amended Law on Intellectual Property No. 50/NA, dated November 20, 2023 (the “2023 Law on IP”) is 10 years from the date of filing application for registration as same as the 2017 Law on IP.

Trade Name

Under the 2017 Law on Intellectual Property, registering a trade name, such as the name of a legal entity registered with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC), was not mandatory for it to receive protection. However, the 2023 amendments introduce a new requirement: trade names must now be registered in order to secure protection against infringement by third parties.

Cancellation

The 2023 Law on Intellectual Property (IP) introduces two distinct procedures for the cancellation of IP assets. As with the 2017 Law on IP, third parties may file a request for cancellation with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) within five years of the registration’s publication in the official intellectual property gazette. Additionally, the new amendment explicitly allows for the cancellation of trademark, industrial design, or geographical indication registrations if they are deemed “incorrect” or made in “bad faith.” However, the MOIC assumes this authority without clearly defining these terms.

Regarding bad faith, both before and after the 2023 Law on IP, examiners have assessed the good faith of applications prior to registration, even though the legislation did not specifically authorize this. Now, under the 2023 Law, authorities are expressly empowered to evaluate bad faith after registration. This authority appears to rest with the Department of Intellectual Property, aiming to prevent Laos from becoming a haven for bad-faith applicants.

Well-Known Marks

The 2023 Law on Intellectual Property (IP) seems to reduce the burden of proof required to establish a mark as well-known. Under the 2017 Law on IP, several criteria were outlined for recognizing a trademark as well-known, which afforded protection in Laos even if the mark was not registered. One key criterion was that the goods or services associated with the mark had to be widely circulated “within the territory.” However, the term “within the territory” was not clearly defined, leading to ambiguity and potentially restricting a trademark’s ability to qualify as well-known, thereby limiting its protection within Laos.

Another criterion was that consumers in the country had to widely recognize and acknowledge the trademark’s reputation, but again, the phrase “within the country” was left open to interpretation.

The 2023 Law on IP removes the phrases “territory” and “country,” eliminating the uncertainty of whether the criteria applied exclusively to the Lao market. Now, evidence of widespread circulation, even globally, can be used to establish a trademark as well-known. Furthermore, examiners may consider additional criteria, though the 2023 law does not specify whether all criteria must be met or if only some are sufficient.

Infringement

The 2017 Law on IP provided the concepts and/or principles of an infringements of IP rights and the act of taking legal actions by introduced you to the Forms of Dispute Resolution: 1. Reconciliation; 2. Mediation; 3. Administrative remedies; 4. Remedy through Economic Dispute Resolution Committee; 5. Judicial actions to People’s Courts; 6. International dispute settlement. Under the newly amended Law on Intellectual Property No. 50/NA, dated November 20, 2023 (the “2023 Law on IP”) is still provides concepts and/or principles of an infringements of IP rights but it does not set out the principle for IP dispute resolution itself. However, there is the act of taking legal actions under the Ministerial Decision on Administrative remedies for Industrial Property and New Variety No. 0441/IC, March 30, 2023 (The “2023 Ministerial Decision Administrative remedies for Industrial Property and New Variety”). The 2023 Ministerial Decision Administrative remedies for Industrial Property and New Variety provided you the procedure for resolving the request regarding opposition, rejection, cancellation or elimination of the registration of industrial property and new plant varieties by the administrative dispute resolution committee.

Exhaustion of Rights

The 2023 Law on Intellectual Property (IP) introduces the concept of exhaustion of rights, marking a significant addition to Laos’ IP legal framework. The law indicates that once a product bearing a trademark is sold, the trademark owner’s rights are exhausted. This means the owner can no longer restrict the use or resale of the product, aligning with the international exhaustion of rights doctrine.

This addition may shed light on how local authorities view parallel imports. In the past, Laos has taken a lenient approach to parallel imports, although the legality of such imports has been ambiguous. Certain products, such as pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and medicines, which require a specific license from a licensor to a designated licensee, have seen more explicit legal frameworks. However, the overall legality of parallel imports has remained unclear.

How does the introduction of the exhaustion of rights concept in the 2023 Law on IP impact the legality of parallel imports in Laos, and what are the potential implications for local businesses and foreign investors?

In the past, Laos has allowed the parallel import and not been overly strict in prohibiting or regulating the practice of parallel importing, but their legality has been ambiguous. The 2023 Law on IP clarifies this by implementing the exhaustion of rights doctrine, which suggests that once a product is sold, the trademark owner loses control over its resale or further distribution. This aligns with international principles of “first sale doctrine” where the sale of a product exhausts the IP rights in that product. Consequently, parallel imports, particularly those involving genuine products that have been sold in another market, may now be legally permissible in Laos without the IP owner’s consent.

However, the law has not amended certain provisions that allow trademark owners to prevent third parties from using, selling, importing, or exporting goods bearing identical or similar marks. This creates a potential conflict with the exhaustion of rights concept, leaving some room for interpretation. For specific goods, such as pharmaceuticals or products requiring a licensor’s authorization, the legality of parallel imports remains uncertain due to these unamended provisions.

Local businesses that rely on importing branded goods for resale may benefit from the exhaustion of rights concept. They could potentially source products at lower costs from international markets without needing permission from the IP owners. This can improve competitiveness, offer price advantages, and increase product availability in the domestic market.

For foreign investors, particularly IP owners, the exhaustion of rights doctrine could pose challenges. It diminishes their ability to control the distribution channels and pricing of their products once they enter the market. This can undermine exclusive distribution agreements, disrupt brand strategy, and potentially harm brand reputation if imported goods do not meet the same quality standards as those sold through authorized channels.

The 2023 Law on IP now mandates the registration of trade names for legal protection. How will this change affect existing

businesses that have not yet registered their trade names, and what steps should they take to comply?

Businesses that have not registered their trade names may lose their ability to prevent others from using similar or identical trade names. Competitors or other parties could register similar trade names, potentially limiting a business’s ability to operate under its original name. Businesses should file for registration of their trade name with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) to secure legal protection.

With the 2023 Law on IP expanding copyright protection to include electronic works and extending the protection term for applied art, what challenges or opportunities do you foresee for artists and creators in Laos?

The 2023 Law on IP expanding copyright protection to include electronic works and extend the protection term for applied art from 25 to 30 years. This allows creators to enjoy their exclusive right for a longer period. They will more time to monetize their creations through licensing, sales, and royalties and other forms of commercialization.

With the expansion of copyright protection to electronic works, enforcement of rights could become more complex. Monitoring unauthorized use of digital works online may pose significant challenges for creators without adequate legal or technological resources.

How do the new provisions regarding bad faith applications in trademark and industrial design registrations address concerns about trademark squatting, and what further clarifications might be needed to ensure fair enforcement?

In 2023, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce provided the Ministerial Decision on Administrative remedies for Industrial Property and New Variety No. 0441/IC, March 30, 2023 (The “2023 Ministerial Decision Administrative remedies for Industrial Property and New Variety”).

In order to take legal action against the bad faith application, the applicant shall file the application requesting for consideration on opposition, rejection, cancellation or elimination of the registration of industrial property. The application will be considered and conducted by the administrative dispute resolution committee.

The applicant shall file the application against the bad faith trademark applications and industrial design registration at Department of Industry and Commerce of the Provincials and Vientiane Capital. Besides, the applicant can also file the application requesting for resolution on dispute of the industrial design registrations at Department of intellectual Property

The officer takes approximately 103 Days to proceed the case, after the consideration, if any parties do not agree with the result, they can the file application for appeal within 30 days from the date of issuance the Notice. If the authority found that the evidence is sufficient and reasonable, they will proceed to reconsider the application within 5 days.

By granting the MOIC the authority to cancel registrations after assessing bad faith post-registration, the law allows authorities to take corrective actions even after a trademark or industrial design has been registered. This is essential in combating trademark squatting, as many bad-faith registrations may not be immediately apparent during the application process. It provides a mechanism to invalidate squatted trademarks after they have been granted.

However, while the new amendment explicitly provides the possibility of cancelling trademark, industrial design, or geographical indication registrations that are deemed either “not correct” or made in bad faith, but fails to define these terms. Clarification may be needed to establish clear guidelines on what constitutes a “not correct” registration.

About Us

ILAW LAOS recently recognized as Tier 1 firm in Trademark Area of Lao PDR by AsiaIP Magazine; We will certainly keep you apprised of any future developments in its regard. Should you need further information on protecting trademarks in Laos both under the current practice and the new Law, please drop us a line at IP@ilawasia.com

出典
2024年4月9日、内閣は、不動産セクターを通じた景気刺激策を導入しました。この措置により、住宅建物の移転手数料が査定額の2％から0.01％に引き下げられました。本措置は2024年12月31日まで適用されます。この措置により、住宅取得や不動産取引を促進し、経済安全保障を強化するとともに、不動産セクターを通じた経済活動を活性化させることを目的としています。

キーポイント
不動産・マンションの権利・抵当権の登録料の減免
2024年4月9日に内閣が定めた基準及び住宅・商業用建物や土地に関する権利および法的取引に関する内務省の発表に基づき、移転手数料が引き下げられます。また、コンドミニアムについては、コンドミニアム法に基づく内務省の発表に基づき登録料が引き下げられます。これらの発表は2024年4月10日から同年12月31日まで有効です。主な内容は以下のとおりです。

対象となる不動産の種類
手数料の減免は、以下の特定の種類の土地および建物の移転および抵当権の設定にのみ適用されます。

・住宅または商業用建物（戸建て、連棟式住宅、タウンハウス、店舗、または住宅として使用される商業用施設を含む）
・住宅または商業用建物がある土地（戸建て、連棟式住宅、タウンハウス、店舗、または住宅として使用される商業用施設を含む）
・コンドミニアム法に基づくコンドミニアム（関連法に基づき法人として登録されているコンドミニアム内のユニットを含む）

対象となる者
買主は、タイ国籍の個人である必要があります。売主が個人か法人であるかどうかは問いません。

適用条件
購入の場合：査定額および契約額が700万バーツを超えないこと
抵当の場合：抵当額が契約ごとに700万バーツを超えないこと、かつ景気刺激策に基づく不動産購入と同時に抵当が登録されること

未登録の建物
土地に関する建物情報を土地局に登録または記録していない場合でも、地区事務所、町役場、または自治体から建築許可を取得している場合は、景気刺激策による登録料の減免を受けることができます。

結論
本措置は2024年12月31日で終了し、現時点で延長の予定はありません。

ILAWASIA Co., Ltdは、不動産取引および抵当権設定登録に関する経験を有しており、本措置に関するコンサルティングを行っております。当事務所のサービスは以下のとおりです。
・景気刺激策および関連法に準拠した不動産取引および抵当権設定のアドバイスと計画の提供
・書類の作成および不動産売買ないし抵当権の登録手続き

土地付き建物の購入、売却、抵当権設定、または不動産の移転を計画しているタイ国籍の個人の方やその取引に関与される方は、景気刺激策の恩恵を受けるために当事務所がサポートいたします。

本記事は情報提供のみを目的としており、法的アドバイスを与えるものではありません。