On April 24–25, 2019, the Laos Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) organized the IP Day Fair in Pakse, Laos, to increase awareness of the importance of intellectual property rights in the country. At the DIP’s invitation, Sukontip Jitmongkolthong, partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property department, presented on the legal strategies for tackling the problem of counterfeit goods in Laos, and real-life results focusing on the southern part of the country. Also speaking at the event was Daoviengnakhone Detxadachanh, a consultant at Tilleke & Gibbins’ office in Laos, who outlined Honda’s experience with protecting their IP rights in Laos. A representative from Kubota—another Tilleke & Gibbins client—was also on hand to explain how Kubota handles issues affecting their intellectual property.

The event was very well attended, with about 300 government personnel present, including officers from the DIP, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Police, Customs, and other agencies. The strong interest points to the growing recognition in Laos that the work of protecting IP rights is an engine for economic growth and trade in the region and beyond.