On May 13, 2024, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic signed a validation agreement with the European Patent Office relating to the possibility for applicants to validate a European Patent in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
1. This agreement came into force on April 1st, 2025.
Therefore, for any European or international application filed on or after 1 April 2025, it will be possible for the applicants to extend the effects of their European patent applications to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
The entry into force of this validation agreement provides applicants for a European patent with a simple and cost-effective way of obtaining patent protection in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
2. In order for a European patent application/patent to produce an effect in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, it is necessary to file a corresponding request and pay a corresponding validation fee within the deadline for paying the designation fees, i.e.:
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- for direct European patent applications, within six months of the date on which the European Patent Bulletin mentions the publication of the European search report, or
- for Euro-PCT applications, within the period for performing the acts required for entry of an international application into the European phase, or within six months of the date of publication of the international search report, whichever is later.
3. In the validation states, the European patent/patent application in principle has the same effects as national applications and patents, is subject to national law and has the same object as the patent granted for EPC contracting states.
If you have any questions concerning this newsletter, please contact Anne Francastel at afrancastel[at]lavoix.eu.
This IP Alert is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.