On October 31, 2024, Myanmar’s Intellectual Property Department (IPD) announced that it would officially start accepting applications for patent and utility model registration under the Patent Law, effective immediately. Contained in IPD Announcement No. 14/2024, this significant development opens new avenues for securing patent and utility model rights in the country. Myanmar’s Patent Law (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 7/2019) was enacted on March 11, 2019, providing a framework for the protection of inventions related to products and processes. This is the first legislation specifically addressing the protection of patents in Myanmar’s history. The Patent Law took effect on May 31, 2024, under State Administration Council Notification No. 106/2024. To implement this new framework, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) promulgated the Patent Rules under Notification No. 43/2024 on June 4, 2024, detailing the requirements and procedures for patent- and utility model-related matters. Subsequently, the MOC specified the official forms to be used for filing of patent- and utility model-related matters under Notification No. 54/2024 on July 19, 2024. On October 22, 2024, the Intellectual Property Agency announced the official fees, including annuity fees, for patents and utility models under Notification No. 2/2024. Applicants (both individuals and legal entities) can now file to register new patents and utility models with the IPD electronically, in person (directly or through a local representative), or by post. To be patented, an invention must: Not have been disclosed to the public anywhere by any means before the filing date or priority date (if claimed); Involve an inventive step; and Be capable of use in any industry. As for utility model registration, the requirements are the same, except an inventive step is not necessary. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for innovators and investors looking to protect their inventions in Myanmar. All stakeholders are encouraged to

On September 30, 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) issued Circular No. 06/2024/TT-BKHCN (“Circular 06”), amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 11/2015/TT-BKHCN dated 26 June 2015. These two circulars are the primary guidance on Decree No. 99/2013/ND-CP and Decree No. 46/2024/ND-CP on administrative sanctions in industrial property. Circular 06, which will come into force on November 15, 2024, will improve the alignment between the recently amended IP Law and its subordinate legal instruments. Some of the notable amendments of Circular 06 are set out below. Clarification of Additional Sanctions: Circular 06 clarifies the application of the additional sanction of “full or partial suspension of production, trading, or service activities for 1 to 3 months”, which was recently amended in Decree No. 46/2024/ND-CP. It specifies that only activities directly related to the violating goods or services will be partially suspended. Preventive Measures for Domain Name Disputes: Circular 06 specifies the required documents for brand owners to request the preventive security measure of placing a temporary hold on the registration of domain names during enforcement action against cybersquatters. The introduction of this regime under Circular 06 is expected to enhance cooperation between the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center, domain name registrars, and enforcement authorities to place the temporary hold on infringing domain names. Unfair Competition Relating to Domain Names: Circular 06 outlines specific requirements to prove unfair competition involving the possession and use of Vietnamese domain names that are identical or confusingly similar to another person’s registered trademark, trade name, or geographical indication. However, the regime established by Circular 06 does not fully align with the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) mechanism, a standard procedure for the settlement of domain name disputes that Vietnam is obligated to adhere to under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement

Crowdfunding has emerged as a promising option for raising capital, particularly for startups and small businesses. In Thailand, investment-based crowdfunding falls primarily under the regulatory purview of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC is responsible for licensing and overseeing crowdfunding portals, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while ensuring investor protection and market integrity. The crowdfunding regulations in Thailand allow non-publicly traded companies to raise funds by offering equity and debentures for sale through SEC-licensed crowdfunding portals. This framework opens new possibilities for businesses seeking alternative funding sources and for investors looking for new opportunities.  Crowdfunding Portals Under Thai regulations, “crowdfunding portals” are defined as websites, mobile phone applications, or other similar electronic media developed for offering securities for sale. To operate a crowdfunding portal in Thailand, applicants must meet several key requirements: Incorporation: The applicant must be incorporated in Thailand. This requirement ensures that the portal operator has a significant local presence and is subject to Thai law. Minimum capital: A minimum paid-up registered capital of THB 5 million is required. This capital requirement helps ensure that portal operators have sufficient financial resources to maintain their operations. Operational readiness: The applicant must have crowdfunding portal systems ready for use upon applying to the SEC for approval to operate. This requirement demonstrates the applicant’s technical capability and readiness to provide crowdfunding services. These requirements are designed to ensure that crowdfunding portal operators are well-capitalized, technologically prepared, and committed to operating within the Thai market. Business and Investment Implications The regulatory framework for crowdfunding in Thailand offers non-publicly traded companies with an additional avenue for raising funds, as licensed crowdfunding portals provide a structured and regulated environment for fundraising. However, companies must ensure compliance with SEC regulations when offering securities through these platforms. For investors, crowdfunding offers new investment

Tilleke & Gibbins has contributed the Thailand chapter to the Franchise 2025 from the International Comparative Legal Guides (ICLG) series published by Global Legal Group. This comprehensive guide provides detailed analysis of franchise laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions worldwide. Each chapter of the guide follows a Q&A format, organized into key sections covering critical aspects of franchise law and operations, including: Relevant legislation and rules governing franchise transactions Business organization options for franchised operations Competition law considerations Protection of intellectual property and brands Liability issues and risk mitigation Governing law and dispute resolution Real estate matters Online trading regulations Termination requirements Joint employer risks and vicarious liability Currency controls and taxation Commercial agency considerations Good faith obligations and fair dealing requirements Ongoing relationship management Franchise renewal processes Franchise migration procedures Electronic signatures and document retention The Thailand chapter, authored by Alan Adcock and Kasama Sriwatanakul, examines these topics in detail, with particular attention to recent developments like the Trade Competition Commission’s Franchising Guidelines which introduced new disclosure requirements and protections for franchisees. The complete Thailand chapter is available as a PDF below. The Thailand chapter—and the full Franchise 2025 guide—are also freely available on the ICLG website.