On January 11, 2018, the National Single Window system for declaration of chemicals to be imported into Vietnam was officially launched. In its first week, this system was used and accessed by several major chemical companies who observed that the system was of very high quality, helping to complete the chemical declaration within a very short time. This extreme improvement comes on the heels of a new decree on chemical management in Vietnam.

The Vietnam electronics sector is exhibiting strong growth and accounts for over 24% of the nation’s GDP, fueled by strong domestic consumption, exports by foreign-invested enterprises, and increased research and development.

With the benefit of advanced technologies, teams of doctors that are far from a patient’s location can receive information and images relating to the patient’s condition, diagnose the patient’s condition remotely, and prescribe appropriate treatment. This arrangement has tremendous possibilities to help those in developing countries like Vietnam, where the most modern technology and most experienced doctors are often located in just a few major cities. For very serious conditions, patients in Vietnam may benefit from the experience of doctors based abroad.

On December 30, 2017, the government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 163/2017/ND-CP (Decree 163) on regulations for doing business in logistics services. Under the provisions of Decree 163, which will come into effect on February 20, 2018, replacing Decree No. 140/2007/ND-CP dated September 5, 2007 (Decree 140), the classification of logistics services will be more aligned with Vietnam’s WTO commitments. Decree 163 also sets out the basis for foreign investors to set up companies providing logistics services in Vietnam under certain ownership limits.

Since the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) introduced its roadmap on simplification of business and investment requirements last September (Decision No. 3610a/QD-BCT dated September 20, 2017), it has been an open question whether the franchise registration requirement would still be applied to foreign franchisors. The language of Decision No.

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Intellectual Property issued a notice on December 28, 2017, addressing the revival of null and void patents. The notice allows patent holders, licensees, and intellectual property consultants to revive patents that have lapsed due to non-payment of annuities.

Communications: Regulation and Outsourcing Global Guide – Thailand  provides a high-level overview of the issues and legal frameworks that regulate the communications industry and outsourcing of communications in 22 jurisdictions worldwide. The Thailand chapter of the guide, written by Tilleke & Gibbins, covers the following main topics:

Thailand’s amended Computer Crime Act, which took effect in May this year, has brought about much needed changes in the way businesses can conduct electronic marketing. Spammers will now face criminal charges and hefty penalties if found guilty.