Hong Kong-based intellectual property magazine Asia IP has interviewed Michael Ramirez, senior consultant, and Yuwadee Thean-ngarm, consultant, in Tilleke & Gibbins’ Yangon office, for their thoughts on protecting intellectual property in Myanmar. Michael’s and Yuwadee’s comments were included in an issue of Asia IP dubbed “The Investors Are Coming: Turning an Eye to IP Protection in Myanmar.” 

Remarking on Myanmar’s aged IP laws, Michael is quoted as saying, “it doesn’t mean there are no avenues to enforce IP rights.” “You can use common law laws,” he says. “It’s just that in Myanmar, those laws are very, very old,” Michael continues. Commenting on the prospect of investing in Myanmar, Michael says, “investors who view Myanmar as a long-term investment are not dissuaded by the lack of a fully developed IP regime.” “It’s certainly an issue that needs to be addressed, but it is not a determining factor for most of our clients in making that decision to enter the marketplace,” he states. Yuwadee notes the importance of negotiations for investors who enter Myanmar before the country implements new IP laws, saying that IP owners should negotiate a good agreement with any potential infringers. 

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