Burma - Protecting Intellectual PropertyBurma - IPR
Several general principles are important for effective management of intellectual property (IP) rights in Myanmar. First, it is important to have an overall strategy to protect your IP. Second, IP may be protected differently in Myanmar than in the United States. Third, rights must be registered and enforced in Myanmar under local laws. For example, your U.S. trademark and patent registrations will not protect you in Myanmar.
It is vital that companies understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right and that the U.S. government cannot enforce rights for private individuals in Myanmar. It is the responsibility of the rights' holders to register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors. Companies may wish to seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants who are experts in Myanmar law. The AmCham Myanmar’s website maintains a list of lawyers as well as other local service providers.
It is vital that companies understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right and that the U.S. government cannot enforce rights for private individuals in Myanmar. It is the responsibility of the rights' holders to register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors. Companies may wish to seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants who are experts in Myanmar law. The AmCham Myanmar’s website maintains a list of lawyers as well as other local service providers.
It is always advisable to conduct due diligence on potential partners. A good partner is an important ally in protecting IP rights. Consider carefully whether to permit your partner to register your IP rights on your behalf. Doing so may create a risk that your partner will list itself as the IP owner and fail to transfer the rights should the partnership end. Projects and sales in Myanmar require constant attention.
It is also recommended that small- and medium-size companies understand the importance of working together with trade associations and organizations to support efforts to protect IP and stop counterfeiting. There are a number of these organizations in both Myanmar and the United States. These include:
It is vital that companies understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right and that the U.S. government cannot enforce rights for private individuals in Myanmar. It is the responsibility of the rights' holders to register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors. Companies may wish to seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants who are experts in Myanmar law. The AmCham Myanmar’s website maintains a list of lawyers as well as other local service providers.
It is vital that companies understand that intellectual property is primarily a private right and that the U.S. government cannot enforce rights for private individuals in Myanmar. It is the responsibility of the rights' holders to register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, retaining their own counsel and advisors. Companies may wish to seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants who are experts in Myanmar law. The AmCham Myanmar’s website maintains a list of lawyers as well as other local service providers.
It is always advisable to conduct due diligence on potential partners. A good partner is an important ally in protecting IP rights. Consider carefully whether to permit your partner to register your IP rights on your behalf. Doing so may create a risk that your partner will list itself as the IP owner and fail to transfer the rights should the partnership end. Projects and sales in Myanmar require constant attention.
It is also recommended that small- and medium-size companies understand the importance of working together with trade associations and organizations to support efforts to protect IP and stop counterfeiting. There are a number of these organizations in both Myanmar and the United States. These include:
- Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
- International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC)
- International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA)
- International Trademark Association (INTA)
- National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
- The Coalition against Counterfeiting and Piracy
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
IP Resources
A wealth of information on protecting IP is freely available to U.S. rights holders. Resources for companies regarding intellectual property include the following:- For information about patent, trademark, or copyright issues -- including enforcement issues in the US and other countries -- call the STOP! Hotline at 1-866-999-HALT or visit STOPfakes.gov’s website.
- For more information about registering trademarks and patents (both in the U.S. as well as in foreign countries), contact the) at 1-800-786-9199.
- For more information about registering for copyright protection in the United States, contact the U.S. Copyright Office at 1-202-707-5959.
- For more information about how to evaluate, protect, and enforce intellectual property rights and how these rights may be important for businesses, please visit the “Resources” section of the STOPfakes’ website.
- In any foreign market companies should consider several general principles for effective management of their intellectual property. For background on these principles please see the U.S. Department of Commerce’s articles on Protecting Intellectual Property and also Corruption.