2024年9月2日，印度尼西亚颁布了新的特许经营法规，即2024年第35号政府条例（“GR 35/2024”）。 此前，印尼的特许经营受2007年第42号政府条例《特许经营条例》（“GR 42/2007”）的规范，以及2019年第71号贸易部条例《特许经营实施条例》（“MOT Regulation 71/2019”）的实施细则的约束。 该新法规废除了《2007年第42号政府条例》。然而，《2019年第71号贸易部长条例》仍然有效，直至有新的贸易法规条例颁布。 新的特许经营法规包含多项修订，并提供了更详细的要求，以补充《2019年第71号贸易部长条例》。   《2024年第35号政府条例》（GR 35/2024）与《2007年第42号政府条例》（GR 42/2007）的比较: 经营年限要求。新法规将申请特许经营注册的最低经营年限从五年缩短至三年。 知识产权状态。根据新法规，任何相关知识产权必须在提交特许经营注册申请之前完成注册。这一要求不同于之前的规定，之前可以在知识产权申请仍在处理中时获得特许经营注册证书（STPW），如果知识产权申请未能注册成功，则STPW会被取消。 外国特许人的注册要求。根据新法规，外国特许人除须提供之前要求的特许经营说明书和相关印尼主管部门的声明函外，还必须提交经过认证或加注认证的原籍国营业执照文件。Top of Form 行政制裁。新法规调整了行政制裁的三阶段升级程序：(1) 两次警告信，(2) 14天的业务活动暂停，(3) STPW（特许经营注册证书）吊销。这与之前法规中的三阶段（即三次警告信、罚款和STPW吊销）有所不同。新法规还扩大了受行政制裁的不合规行为清单。除了之前法规中详细列明的监管义务外，未使用正确的特许经营标识和未提交活动报告等行为现在也将受到这些行政制裁的惩罚。 特许经营组织者类别。新法规将特许经营组织者（即特许经营业务安排的主要当事方）的类别从之前的两类（特许人和被特许人）扩展至八类，包括外国和本地的次级特许人和次级被特许人。 特许经营注册证书（STPW）的有效性。新法规明确了STPW失效的条件，例如协议终止、业务停止、知识产权到期等。此外，不再需要每五年更新一次STPW。在之前的法规中，STPW的有效期为五年，可续期。 尽管有这些变化和更新，印尼特许经营法规的核心结构仍然相似。此外，GR 35/2024中的许多新规定已在前述的《2019年第71号贸易部长条例》中被采纳。   法律影响 《2024年第35号政府条例》（GR 35/2024）简化了一些流程（如不再需要每五年更新STPW），同时收紧了一些要求（如涉及知识产权注册的规定）。该法规还提供了对特许经营组织者的更详细分类，并明确了制裁程序，旨在构建更有条理和全面的监管框架。 这些变更旨在强化监管框架，确保特许经营行业的合规性和稳健性。该新法规反映了政府对推动特许经营行业发展的承诺，而特许经营行业也持续为印尼经济作出重要贡献。   注意：本文为英文文章的中文翻译。原文请参见以下链接。

Indonesia Issues New Franchise Regulation

On October 31, 2024, Myanmar’s Intellectual Property Department (IPD) announced that it would officially start accepting applications for patent and utility model registration under the Patent Law, effective immediately. Contained in IPD Announcement No. 14/2024, this significant development opens new avenues for securing patent and utility model rights in the country. Myanmar’s Patent Law (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No. 7/2019) was enacted on March 11, 2019, providing a framework for the protection of inventions related to products and processes. This is the first legislation specifically addressing the protection of patents in Myanmar’s history. The Patent Law took effect on May 31, 2024, under State Administration Council Notification No. 106/2024. To implement this new framework, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) promulgated the Patent Rules under Notification No. 43/2024 on June 4, 2024, detailing the requirements and procedures for patent- and utility model-related matters. Subsequently, the MOC specified the official forms to be used for filing of patent- and utility model-related matters under Notification No. 54/2024 on July 19, 2024. On October 22, 2024, the Intellectual Property Agency announced the official fees, including annuity fees, for patents and utility models under Notification No. 2/2024. Applicants (both individuals and legal entities) can now file to register new patents and utility models with the IPD electronically, in person (directly or through a local representative), or by post. To be patented, an invention must: Not have been disclosed to the public anywhere by any means before the filing date or priority date (if claimed); Involve an inventive step; and Be capable of use in any industry. As for utility model registration, the requirements are the same, except an inventive step is not necessary. This milestone marks a pivotal moment for innovators and investors looking to protect their inventions in Myanmar. All stakeholders are encouraged to take advantage of the new opportunities for patent and

On September 30, 2024, Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) issued Circular No. 06/2024/TT-BKHCN (“Circular 06”), amending and supplementing certain articles of Circular No. 11/2015/TT-BKHCN dated 26 June 2015. These two circulars are the primary guidance on Decree No. 99/2013/ND-CP and Decree No. 46/2024/ND-CP on administrative sanctions in industrial property. Circular 06, which will come into force on November 15, 2024, will improve the alignment between the recently amended IP Law and its subordinate legal instruments. Some of the notable amendments of Circular 06 are set out below. Clarification of Additional Sanctions: Circular 06 clarifies the application of the additional sanction of “full or partial suspension of production, trading, or service activities for 1 to 3 months”, which was recently amended in Decree No. 46/2024/ND-CP. It specifies that only activities directly related to the violating goods or services will be partially suspended. Preventive Measures for Domain Name Disputes: Circular 06 specifies the required documents for brand owners to request the preventive security measure of placing a temporary hold on the registration of domain names during enforcement action against cybersquatters. The introduction of this regime under Circular 06 is expected to enhance cooperation between the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center, domain name registrars, and enforcement authorities to place the temporary hold on infringing domain names. Unfair Competition Relating to Domain Names: Circular 06 outlines specific requirements to prove unfair competition involving the possession and use of Vietnamese domain names that are identical or confusingly similar to another person’s registered trademark, trade name, or geographical indication. However, the regime established by Circular 06 does not fully align with the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP) mechanism, a standard procedure for the settlement of domain name disputes that Vietnam is obligated to adhere to under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Crowdfunding has emerged as a promising option for raising capital, particularly for startups and small businesses. In Thailand, investment-based crowdfunding falls primarily under the regulatory purview of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC is responsible for licensing and overseeing crowdfunding portals, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while ensuring investor protection and market integrity. The crowdfunding regulations in Thailand allow non-publicly traded companies to raise funds by offering equity and debentures for sale through SEC-licensed crowdfunding portals. This framework opens new possibilities for businesses seeking alternative funding sources and for investors looking for new opportunities.  Crowdfunding Portals Under Thai regulations, “crowdfunding portals” are defined as websites, mobile phone applications, or other similar electronic media developed for offering securities for sale. To operate a crowdfunding portal in Thailand, applicants must meet several key requirements: Incorporation: The applicant must be incorporated in Thailand. This requirement ensures that the portal operator has a significant local presence and is subject to Thai law. Minimum capital: A minimum paid-up registered capital of THB 5 million is required. This capital requirement helps ensure that portal operators have sufficient financial resources to maintain their operations. Operational readiness: The applicant must have crowdfunding portal systems ready for use upon applying to the SEC for approval to operate. This requirement demonstrates the applicant’s technical capability and readiness to provide crowdfunding services. These requirements are designed to ensure that crowdfunding portal operators are well-capitalized, technologically prepared, and committed to operating within the Thai market. Business and Investment Implications The regulatory framework for crowdfunding in Thailand offers non-publicly traded companies with an additional avenue for raising funds, as licensed crowdfunding portals provide a structured and regulated environment for fundraising. However, companies must ensure compliance with SEC regulations when offering securities through these platforms. For investors, crowdfunding offers new investment opportunities, particularly in startups and small businesses. The regulatory oversight provided

Tilleke & Gibbins has contributed the Thailand chapter to Franchise 2025 from the International Comparative Legal Guides (ICLG) series published by Global Legal Group. This comprehensive guide provides detailed analysis of franchise laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions worldwide. Each chapter of the guide follows a Q&A format, organized into key sections covering critical aspects of franchise law and operations, including: Relevant legislation and rules governing franchise transactions Business organization options for franchised operations Competition law considerations Protection of intellectual property and brands Liability issues and risk mitigation Governing law and dispute resolution Real estate matters Online trading regulations Termination requirements Joint employer risks and vicarious liability Currency controls and taxation Commercial agency considerations Good faith obligations and fair dealing requirements Ongoing relationship management Franchise renewal processes Franchise migration procedures Electronic signatures and document retention The Thailand chapter, authored by Alan Adcock and Kasama Sriwatanakul, examines these topics in detail, with particular attention to recent developments like the Trade Competition Commission’s Franchising Guidelines which introduced new disclosure requirements and protections for franchisees. The complete Thailand chapter is available as a PDF below. The Thailand chapter—and the full Franchise 2025 guide—are also freely available on the ICLG website.

On September 18, 2024, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued comprehensive guidelines to make it easier for foreign business operators to provide investment services in Thailand. These guidelines are designed to support Thailand’s goal of becoming a global financial hub and align with government efforts to enhance the ease of doing business. The guidelines primarily focus on streamlining the process for foreign firms applying for securities and derivatives licenses, and ensuring quicker and more transparent entry into the Thai market for businesses offering securities (such as shares, mutual funds, and collective investment schemes) and derivatives (such as futures and options). Fast-Track Licensing Under the new guidelines, the SEC will provide support to foreign companies wishing to operate securities businesses in Thailand. This support includes a fast-track licensing process for foreign operators that meet certain qualifications, such as having a company incorporated in Thailand, having operated a system of group companies for at least five consecutive years, and being supervised by a regulator under the IOSCO MMoU (International Organization of Securities Commissions Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding). The SEC will also collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce to grant exemptions from the requirement of a foreign business license for companies providing certain services relating to or supporting securities or derivatives businesses, such as net asset value calculation/confirmation for mutual funds, and promotion of capital market products. Applying for foreign business licenses has long been a complicated process for foreign operators, and this exemption can help reduce such complications. Targeted License Exemptions to Reduce Regulatory Burdens Foreign operators providing specific investment services may be exempt from full securities and derivatives licensing requirements, saving time and costs associated with the full licensing process, and allowing them to start their businesses quickly and efficiently. Key exemptions include: Foreign operators providing derivatives services solely to institutional investors are only required to

On September 27, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) issued a circular clarifying reporting obligations in relation to listed company securities held by the company’s directors, executives, auditors, or persons related to them (“Key Persons”). The circular aimed to address growing concerns over transparency in shareholding, particularly when shares are used as loan collateral by company executives without sufficient public disclosure, which can lead to sudden share loss and executive departures, destabilizing the company. This circular is likely a stopgap measure, and a full overhaul of the reporting regulations may be needed. The current reporting obligations came into effect on March 16, 2024, and were designed to simplify reporting procedures while still maintaining transparency in the capital markets. The rules allow the Key Persons to consolidate multiple transactions and report them only when certain thresholds are crossed — such as when the total transaction value reaches THB 3 million or when six months have passed since the last report. The rules were intended to reduce the number of minor reports and limit penalties for missed deadlines. However, recent scandals have raised concerns about the reporting rules, particularly issues related to the enforcement of share collateral on executives’ or directors’ loans where the listed company may face a change of direction and management due to such forced sales. To ease these concerns, the SEC issued the new circular to reiterate the rules and lay out three key situations triggering a reporting duty: Force-Selling Due to Default: If shares are forcibly sold due to a loan default, this must be reported, and the transaction should be recorded with the Thailand Securities Depository (TSD). Transfer of Shares to Custodians: Under current rules, the transfer of shares to/from a custodian holding them on behalf of a beneficial owner does not have to be reported. However,

越南 外商直接投资（FDI）是越南经济的基石，越南因其成为亚洲增长最快的经济体之一而闻名。自2013年以来，越南年年吸引创纪录的FDI流入，投资者持续认为该国是一个充满活力且极具吸引力的商业运营目的地。越南的投资潜力经常被誉为该地区的最佳投资机会之一。   商业架构 投资者可以考虑的商业形式之一是单一成员有限责任公司（Single-Member LLC），该公司只有一位所有者且不设股份。这种形式的公司仅适用于没有外资持股限制的行业。 多成员有限责任公司（MLLC）适用于外资持股或参与受到限制的行业，或有多个所有者的企业。MLLC没有股份，只有“注册资本”，其责任仅限于各成员的出资金额，成员数量最多为50人。 股份公司，也称为合资公司，其注册资本被分为等额部分，称为股份。股份公司可以发行公司债券，并在越南证券交易所上市。股东可以是组织或个人，且公司必须始终至少有三名股东。 外国投资者可以设立新的法律实体，形式可以为外商独资企业，也可以与越南投资者共同拥有的合资公司。   外资投资限制 在越南，私人土地所有权不被允许。土地由集体或国家所有。外国企业只能从国家或工业区的开发商处租赁土地，或通过合资企业获得使用土地的权利。此外，外国投资者必须注册其投资并遵守额外的限制。这些限制包括外资持股比例限制、行业限制、投资要求、地理限制以及越南合作伙伴的最低资格要求。 禁止外资投资的行业包括化学品、矿物和毒品贸易等，以及一些其他高度敏感或有争议的活动。此外，还有所谓的“有条件”行业，外国投资者必须满足特定条件，如获得提供特定服务的次级许可证（例如零售、教育、金融、电信、物流等）。 外汇交易受到严格监管，资金流入的规则较为宽松，而资金流出的规定则较为严格。外国投资者可以将资本带入越南，但越南投资者若想进行境外投资，则需要通知或获得越南国家银行的批准。离开越南时，携带超过5,000美元现金的人必须申报。外国公民在完全缴纳税款并履行对越南国家的财务义务后，可以将其收益汇回其所在国。   劳动与雇佣 越南的最低月工资根据不同的地理区域，范围在2,920,000越南盾至4,180,000越南盾（约126至181美元）之间。雇主还必须为员工缴纳相当于员工工资总额约21.5%的社会保险、健康保险和失业保险。 雇佣外国员工需要获得许可，且相关部门在决定是否允许或拒绝雇佣外国员工时拥有极大的自由裁量权。不过，越南并没有强制要求雇主必须雇佣本地员工。通常情况下，外国员工必须持有工作许可，并且还需要签证或临时居留卡。初次办理工作许可和签证的总费用大约在980,000越南盾至4,200,000越南盾（约42至181美元）之间。   越南的投资激励措施 特定地理区域、行业以及高科技、科学或技术企业或组织可享受投资激励。这些激励通常适用于投资金额至少为6万亿越南盾（约2.59亿美元）的项目。激励措施通常包括企业所得税的减免或豁免、部分进口商品的关税豁免以及土地使用税和费用的减免或豁免。   注意：本文为英文文章的中文翻译。原文请参见以下链接。 www.tilleke.com/insights/investing-in-mainland-southeast-asia/39/