# Trademark registration in Laos

> Trademarks in Laos are registered with the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Industry and Commerce (DIP); third parties can oppose within 60 days from publication. A registration lasts 10 years and can be renewed. Laos can be designated through the Madrid System.

Source page: https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/laos
Facts checked against official sources: 2026-10-11

## Key facts
- **Trademark office:** Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Industry and Commerce (DIP)
- **Madrid Protocol:** Member since 2016
- **Opposition period:** 60 days from publication
- **Protection:** 10 years, renewable
- **Foreign applicants:** DIP states applicants may file through an IP service provider

## Official links
- Trademark office: https://dip.gov.la/
- Online filing: http://online.dip.gov.la/efiling/
- Law: Law No. 50/NA on Intellectual Property (promulgated 20 November 2023, in force 24 January 2024) — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22624
- Law: Regulation No. 0436/MOIC of 30 March 2023 on Trademarks — https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22049

## Steps
1. Check that the mark is distinctive and not identical or confusingly similar to a registered or well-known mark.
2. File the application with DIP in Lao, on paper or through the DIP online filing system, directly or through an IP service provider.
3. DIP examines the application and publishes it.
4. Third parties may oppose within 60 days of publication; the applicant then has 60 days to respond with evidence before DIP decides.
5. If there is no opposition or it fails, DIP registers the mark and issues a certificate.

- **Examination:** DIP examines applications; it states that registration takes about 8 months.
- **Opposition:** 60 days from publication; the applicant has 60 days to respond, and a final administrative review can be requested within 60 days of DIP's decision
- **Timeline:** About 8 months (DIP)
- **Late renewal:** Renewal is filed within 6 months before expiry; late renewal is possible within 6 months after expiry with a late fee
- **Power of attorney:** Under Decision No. 0874 (in force 4 July 2025), a copy of the power of attorney is reportedly sufficient (secondary source; not confirmed on a DIP page).
- **Language:** Lao (official application forms are in Lao)

## Good to know
- A new Law on Intellectual Property (No. 50/NA) entered into force on 24 January 2024, replacing the 2017 IP Law.
- Certification marks and collective marks can be registered in addition to goods and service marks.
- National emblems, flags, official seals and names or likenesses of living people cannot be included in a mark without authorisation.
- Opposition decisions can be taken to a final administrative review within 60 days.

## FAQ
### How long does trademark registration take in Laos?
The Department of Intellectual Property states that registration takes about 8 months.

### Is Laos part of the Madrid Protocol?
Yes. The Madrid Protocol entered into force for Laos on 7 March 2016.

### How long is the trademark opposition period in Laos?
An opposition must be filed within 60 days from publication, and the applicant has 60 days to respond.

### How long is a trademark valid in Laos?
Protection lasts 10 years and can be renewed without limit; renewal is filed within 6 months before expiry, or within 6 months after expiry with a late fee.

## Sources
- DIP Laos – Trademark registration: https://dip.gov.la/trademark/
- DIP Laos – About trademarks: https://dip.gov.la/about-ip/trademark/
- DIP Laos – Home page: https://dip.gov.la/
- WIPO Lex – Law No. 50/NA on Intellectual Property: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22624
- WIPO Lex – Regulation No. 0436/MOIC on Trademarks: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22049
- WIPO Directory – Lao PDR IP office: https://www.wipo.int/directory/en/details.jsp?country_code=LA
- WIPO Lex – Madrid Protocol contracting parties: https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/treaties/parties/8

Need a firm that files in Laos? Find one at https://trademarkshub.com/trademarks/laos (TrademarksHub lists IP firms by country; featured placements are paid and labelled).
General information, not legal advice.