More and more multinational corporations are seeking to grow their business in Lao PDR, also commonly known as Laos. With annual GDP growth rates of over 8% (according to the latest World Bank figures), it is easy to understand why so many companies are evaluating their options in this growing market. But when entering any new market, companies also need to consider how best to protect and enforce their intellectual property rights. This article reveals some important aspects about IP infringement and the enforcement process for brand owners operating in Lao PDR.

With the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) due to come into effect in 2015, Thailand has prioritized modernizing its customs procedures to better facilitate trade across international borders. The country is taking a step-by-step approach, with the first prototypical reforms taking root in the cosmetics industry. It is hoped that implementing a single-window system with online capabilities will improve efficiency by hastening trade processes and reducing associated costs.AEC and National Single Window

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has taken many steps in recent years towards gradual liberalisation of the country’s capital market. For example, more foreign products are now permitted to be offered to Thai investors. This includes qualifying foreign exchange-traded funds, qualifying Asean Collective Investment Scheme and foreign-listed stocks with the intention of secondary listings on the SET. Exchange-control rules have also been relaxed, allowing Thai investors—both institutions and high net worth individuals—to invest in foreign capital markets.  

The protection of well-known trademarks was first established by Article 6bis of the Paris Convention. However, the Paris Convention and other subsequent international treaties do not clearly define the concept of being “well known.” As a result, the definition of “well known” varies to some extent among signatory states.

The International Comparative Legal Guide has published the 10th edition of International Arbitration, a Q&A-style guide that provides cross-border insight into arbitration work across 53 jurisdictions. Michael K. Lee and Doan Ngoc Tran, partner and associate in the Tilleke & Gibbins corporate and commercial group, have jointly authored this year’s chapter on arbitration in Vietnam.This chapter covers the following topics:

Getting the Deal Through has published the 2013 edition of its multi-jurisdictional guide to product liability, which covers 31 jurisdictions worldwide. Michael Ramirez, a consultant in the Tilleke & Gibbins dispute resolution department, has authored the Thailand chapter for this Q&A guide. The chapter provides an update on the Product Liability Act, discusses how its provisions are playing out in practice, and considers whether or not it is fulfilling the aims for which it was enacted. The chapter covers the following topics:

Many companies have labor unions and employee committees, but few fully understand the potential significance or impact of these organizations. Unfortunately, even fewer understand the possible legal ramifications of taking disciplinary action against employee committee members.Employers may face severe criminal penalties if they violate an employee committee member’s rights, and so it is vital for them to understand these principles before taking any form of disciplinary and/or obstructive action against an employee committee member.

When an employee is employed by more than one company and thus holds multiple labor contracts in Vietnam at the same time, employers often have questions about how to handle the employee’s compulsory insurance contribution. Decree No. 44/2013/ND-CP, which came into effect on July 1, 2013, clarifies how compulsory insurance will be paid for employees with multiple labor contracts: