Realizing Developmental Objectives of The IP System: LDC Priority Needs for Technical and Financial Cooperation Lao PDR Experiences Presented by Mr. MAKHA CHANTHALA, DDG, Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Science and Technology, WTO Workshop, Geneva, 12-13 June, 2014
Introduction The emergence of a new global economy propelled by rapid technological progress and ICT has placed IP in the mainstream of the socio-economic development policy in many countries and for this reason IP is considered to be one important element of the Lao Government Policy.
IP Administrations In Lao PDR, the Intellectual Property was introduced in 1991. The Government of Lao PDR administrate IP in a centralized and unified principle throughout the country assigning the Ministry of Science and Technology as the central coordination for IP with the relevant sectors. Since 1991, The Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Science and Technology was in charge of Intellectual Property matters in Lao PDR.
Policies Lao PDR reaffirms the Equitable Balance Between the IP Rights-Holders and the Public Interest. Lao PDR provides adequate IP protection to both local and foreign investors. The Lao s Law on Intellectual Property is in conformity with international standards. Lao PDR promotes the development of IP activities and the exploitation of the fruits of invention, the creativity of individuals, legal entities or organizations as well as recognizes and protects the rights and interests of the owner of intellectual property.
Legislations Law on Intellectual Property N.08/NA of 2011, covering: Patent, Petty Patent, Industrial Design, Trademark, Trade Name, Integrated Circuit, Geographical Indication, Plant Variety Protection, Copyright and Related Rights. Decisions of the Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology on the Implementation of Law on Intellectual Property concerning: Patents & Petty Patents, Industrial Designs, Trademarks & Trade Names, Copyright & Related Rights, Geographical Indications and IC LayoutDesigns.
Progress made regarding the Implementation of The TRIPs Agreement With the assistance of the Lao PDR US International and ASEAN Integration (LUNA) six Ministerial Decisions on the Implementation of Law on Intellectual Property were drafted and promulgated. With the assistance of WIPO, JPO, USTPO, ECAP III, the IP Capacity building has been improving. Drafted an IP Strategy Development Plan for 2014 2016.
Cont With the assistance of the Swiss Federal Institute of IP under the Lao IP Project (LIPP) various National seminars, workshops, training and campaigns were organized within the country for increasing awareness of the role of IP in society. Lao PDR is in the process of joining the Madrid Protocol concerning the International Registration of Marks. The process has been assisting by WIPO and AANZFTA.
Priority Needs for Technical and Financial Cooperation in Relation to the TRIPs Agreement Strengthening IP Administration Capacity. - Develop a Road Map for the implementation of - - TRIPs Agreement. Deliver timely, quality and accessible copyright, industrial design, patent and trademark services to facilitate trade and promote the ease of doing business. Enhanced IT modernization to improve quality services.
Cont IP Capacity Building. - Development of competency-based training programmes for trademarks, patents and industrial designs. - Focusing on the Job-Training. - Training for enforcement agencies. IP Public Awareness. - Improving awareness and respect of IP to promote its protection, utilization and commercialization.
Department of Intellectual Property Ministry of Science and Technology, P.O.Box: 2279, Nahaidiao Street, Vientiane, Lao PDR. Tel: 856-21-213470 / 240784 Fax: 856-21-213472