The short answer
Under the Trademark Law 2019 (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 3, 2019), a registered mark has a term of 10 years from the filing date and renews for 10-year terms. Renew within the 6 months before expiry or in a 6-month grace period after with late fees. Opposition is filed within 60 days of publication, and registration can be cancelled after three years of non-use.
Trademark deadlines in Myanmar at a glance
These rules come from the Trademark Law (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 3, 2019), enacted on 30 January 2019, in the English text on WIPO Lex. Fees and procedures are in separate rules, so we confirm them before we file.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does a trademark last? | 10 years from the filing date, with each renewal term 10 years (Section 34). |
| Which date does the term count from? | The filing date of the application (Section 34). A renewal comes into force from the date of expiry of the previous registration (Section 36). |
| When can I renew? | Apply to renew within 6 months before the expiry of the term, with the prescribed fee. The Registrar renews for 10 years and publishes the renewal (Sections 35 and 36). |
| Is there a grace period? | Yes. The owner can apply within a grace period of 6 months after the expiry of the term, paying the registration fee and a late fee (Section 35(b)). |
| Opposition period | A person can file an opposition with the Registrar within 60 days of publication, paying the prescribed fee and stating a ground under the Law. If there is no opposition within 60 days the Registrar may grant registration (Sections 26 and 27). |
| Reply to an office action | The Registrar examines the application against the grounds for refusal and notifies the applicant, who has a set period (for example 60 days) to respond. |
| Priority claim | A foreign application filed within 6 months of the first filing date gives a right of priority, and an exhibition priority also lasts 6 months (Sections 31 to 33). |
| Non-use | On the application of an interested person, the Registrar cancels the registration if the mark has not been put to genuine use in Myanmar within three years from registration without proper reasons, or if use has been suspended for an uninterrupted three years (Section 51). |
| Assignment | A change in ownership is recorded and published by the Registrar and has no effect on third parties until recorded. Licences must be recorded to have effect (Sections 43, 44, 46 and 49). |
Who can register a trademark in Myanmar
A person who wants the right to a mark applies to the Registrar. The Law covers individual, collective and certification marks.
Representation. We act as your agent before the Registrar. We confirm any local representation rule before filing.
Trademark registration process in Myanmar
Search
- Search the the Intellectual Property Department of Myanmar (the Registrar of Marks) records for identical or similar marks in your classes.
File the application
- File with the the Intellectual Property Department of Myanmar (the Registrar of Marks), through your Myanmar agent.
- Claim priority at filing if you filed abroad recently.
Examination
- The office examines the application and tells you in writing if there is a problem. We reply within the time set in the notice.
Publication and opposition
- An accepted application is published.
- After publication, any person can oppose within 60 days with the fee and grounds. If no opposition is filed in that time, the Registrar may register the mark (Sections 26 and 27).
Registration
- If there is no opposition, or it fails, the mark is registered and a certificate is issued.
Official fees are set by the the Intellectual Property Department of Myanmar (the Registrar of Marks) and change. We confirm the current fee for your classes before we quote, so the figure you see is the one that applies on the day.
Myanmar trademark validity and renewal
- Registration lasts 10 years from the filing date.
- Apply in the 6 months before expiry.
- A 6-month grace period costs late fees.
- Use the mark in Myanmar to avoid cancellation after three years.
Diarise the 6-month renewal window from the filing date.
Assignment, licence and changes to a Myanmar trademark
Ownership
Record the change
A change in ownership is recorded and published and has no effect until recorded (Sections 43 and 44).
Licence
Record it
A licence has no effect unless recorded with the Registrar (Sections 46 to 49).
Cancellation
Non-use
Any interested person can apply for cancellation after three years of non-use (Section 51).
Refused marks
No use
A mark whose registration was refused or cancelled cannot be used (Section 52).
Non-use and cancellation of a Myanmar trademark
The Registrar cancels a registration on application if the mark was not genuinely used in Myanmar within three years of registration, or use stopped for three uninterrupted years, without proper reasons. Cancellation can apply to only some goods or services (Section 51).
Keep dated proof of use in Myanmar: invoices, packaging, advertising and website pages that show the mark with the goods or services.
How to check a trademark in Myanmar
Search the register of the Intellectual Property Department and its official publication for the filing, publication, registration and renewal dates.
Sources used
- The Trademark Law (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 3, 2019), Myanmar, English text on WIPO Lex: Sections 26, 27, 31 to 36, 43 to 52.
- The Intellectual Property Department for rules, fees and forms.
Myanmar trademark FAQ
How long does a trademark last in Myanmar, and from when?
10 years from the filing date, with each renewal term 10 years (Section 34). It counts from the filing date (Section 34).
When should I renew a Myanmar trademark, and is there a grace period?
Apply to renew within 6 months before the expiry of the term, with the prescribed fee. The Registrar renews for 10 years and publishes the renewal (Sections 35 and 36).
What is the opposition period in Myanmar?
A person can file an opposition with the Registrar within 60 days of publication, paying the prescribed fee and stating a ground under the Law. If there is no opposition within 60 days the Registrar may grant registration (Sections 26 and 27).
How much does it cost to register a trademark in Myanmar?
The official fee is set by the the Intellectual Property Department of Myanmar (the Registrar of Marks) and changes. We confirm the current fee for your classes and quote the full cost before filing.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Myanmar?
Yes. A foreign company can register a mark in Myanmar, claiming priority within 6 months where it applies. We arrange the filing through a local agent.
Can I assign a Myanmar trademark?
A change in ownership is recorded and published by the Registrar and has no effect on third parties until recorded. Licences must be recorded to have effect (Sections 43, 44, 46 and 49).
Can a Myanmar trademark be cancelled for non-use?
On the application of an interested person, the Registrar cancels the registration if the mark has not been put to genuine use in Myanmar within three years from registration without proper reasons, or if use has been suspended for an uninterrupted three years (Section 51).
How can I check the status of a Myanmar trademark?
Use the the Intellectual Property Department of Myanmar (the Registrar of Marks) register and check the publication, registration and renewal dates.
Can I claim priority from my home country?
A foreign application filed within 6 months of the first filing date gives a right of priority, and an exhibition priority also lasts 6 months (Sections 31 to 33).
How do I change the owner's name or address?
Record the change with the the Intellectual Property Department of Myanmar (the Registrar of Marks) so notices and renewal reminders reach the right address. Ask us for the current form.
Protect your brand in Myanmar
SUPREMEiP® files trademarks worldwide through its network and checks every Myanmar deadline against the law. Send us your mark and we will tell you the route, the deadlines and the cost.
