Since Myanmar opened its doors in 2011 and began to reengage with the rest of the global economy, many forward-thinking companies have been eager to enter the local market. Currently, however, there are no comprehensive IP laws in Myanmar, and the country’s limited IP regime is substantially outdated. For instance, the Copyright Act only recognizes work created in Myanmar by Myanmar nationals, and the Act itself dates back to 1911.

The new Land Law was ratified by the National Assembly on November 29, 2013, and came into effect on July 1 this year (the 2014 Land Law). It replaces the previous Land Law of 2003 (the 2003 Land Law). Following the 2014 Land Law, the government issued Decrees No 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47, which also came into effect on July 1. In guiding some of these decrees, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Finance issued several guiding circulars. The new Land Law may well bring about love-hate feelings for foreign developers in Vietnam.

Death is not always final, at least not for juristic persons under Thai law. Under certain circumstances, companies can be revived after being legally declared defunct or dissolved. This article will discuss how and when such companies can be restored.Dissolved vs. Defunct

Government-use compulsory licensing has almost always stirred up controversies and debates with regard to its appropriateness, actual benefits, and detriments. Patent owners and advocates of IP protection remain firm on the position that while a country has the right to override patents by issuing compulsory licenses (CLs) in certain limited circumstances, this should be viewed as a last resort, not a preferred method of tackling public health issues.

Thai law allows foreigners—both foreign natural and juristic persons—who meet certain criteria to purchase and own condominium units in Thailand. This eligibility is, however, subject to the overarching directives of the Condominium Act, which stipulates two unwavering legal requirements:

In Vietnam, franchising is an imprecise practice—although a system of registration and a set of regulations do exist, the framework lacks depth, which causes uncertainty for those wishing to operate a franchise in the country.

International Franchising, Second Edition (Release 3, 2014) has been published through Juris Publishing and edited by the Center for International Legal Studies. The guide provides expert analysis of franchising law and practice in 34 countries worldwide.The Thailand chapter of the guide, written by Sriwan Puapondh and Alan Adcock of Tilleke & Gibbins, delves into the following main topics:

In the latest step towards the integration of Asean capital markets, Thailand-based fund managers can now offer retail funds directly to investors in Malaysia and Singapore —and vice versa — through a streamlined process. This change follows the launch on Aug 25 of the Asean Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) Framework by Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission, Malaysia’s Securities Commission and the Monetary Authority of Singapore.