The Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) issued the Geographical Indication Registration Rules (“Rules“) on 21 November 2025 under Notification No. 103/2025 to implement the Trademark Law 2019. The Rules apply to registration, re-application, amendment, withdrawal, opposition, and cancellation of geographical indication registration and comprise fourteen chapters.
Key procedures include:
Registration of Geographical Indications
- The applying organization, as described under Section 53 of the Trademark Law, must submit an application for geographical indication registration using application form GI-1, together with evidence of fee payment and required documents.
- If the Examiner completes the examination and finds that the application does not conflict with any of the provisions of section 55 of the Trademark Law, the application will be submitted to the Registrar, and the Registrar will publish the contents and information of the application.
Re-application
If the applicant loses the right to apply for geographical indication registration because the application was not amended or explanations were not submitted within the specified time limit, the applicant may re-apply using Form GI-3, together with proof of payment of the prescribed fee, within 60 days from the date of abandonment, providing valid reasons.
Correction of Clerical Errors and Other Correctable Errors
The applicant, before the Registrar grants or refuses geographical indication registration, can apply using form GI-4, together with evidence of fee payment, to correct any clerical errors and other errors that the Registrar may permit correction in the application, translation, or any documentary evidence.
Withdrawal of Application and Opposition to Application
If the applicant wishes to withdraw the application before the Registrar grants or refuses the geographical indication registration, they must submit an application using form GI-5 together with evidence of payment of the prescribed fee. For opposition, any person who wishes to oppose a geographical indication registration application can file an opposition using form GI-6, together with evidence of fee payment, within 60 days from the date of publication.
Registration and Recording
If no opposition is filed, or if opposition is withdrawn or dismissed, the Registrar will notify the applicant to pay the registration fee. The applicant must complete the payment within 60 days from the date of receiving the notification. Once the registration is granted, the Registrar will record the grant in the official register and publish it for public information. If the original geographical indication registration certificate is damaged or lost, the geographical indication owner can apply for a certified copy using form GI-7, together with evidence of fee payment.
Correction of Register
The geographical indication owner can apply using form GI-8, together with evidence of fee payment, to correct any clerical errors and other errors that the Registrar may permit correction in the register.
Declaration of Invalidity or Cancellation of Geographical Indication Registration
Any interested party or relevant department or organization may, if they discover a registered geographical indication falls under any of the grounds specified in Section 56 of the Trademark Law, apply to declare the registered geographical indication invalid or cancel it using form GI-9, together with evidence of fee payment and two copies of the relevant documents.
Geographical Indication Logo
The Intellectual Property Department (“IPD”) shall determine the geographical indication logo to be used on registered products or goods with the approval of the MOC. Persons who meet specified requirements can apply for permission to use the geographical indication logo using form GI-10, together with evidence of fee payment.
Assignment of Representative
The applicant, opponent, interested party, or appellant may appoint a representative who is at least 18 years old, holds a citizenship scrutiny card, resides in Myanmar, and meets requirements specified by the MOC, using form GI-2 or GI-11. To change the representative’s name, form GI-12 is used, and to cancel the representative, form GI-13 must be submitted.
If the applicant resides outside the Union (Myanmar), the application must include the appointment of a representative using Form GI-2, and Form GI-11 must be duly notarized in the applicant’s country of residence or jurisdiction.
Appeal
Any person dissatisfied with any decision made by the Registrar regarding geographical indication registration matters can appeal to the Intellectual Property Agency using form GI-14, together with evidence of fee payment, within 60 days from the date of publication of the decision.
Publication
The results of the examination and public information shall be published on the official website and in the designated publication book.
Application for Extension of Time
Before the expiration of the time limit specified in the Trademark Law and these Rules, any person can apply for an extension using form GI-15, together with evidence of fee payment and valid reasons. The extended time limit shall not exceed four times, with each extension being 30 days. No further extensions will be given, except for a one-time extension of 30 days in unforeseen exceptional cases, such as disasters.
Key Takeaways
These Rules represent an important development in Myanmar’s intellectual property framework for protecting geographical indications. Organizations considering geographical indication registration should carefully review the procedural requirements, prepare comprehensive documentation, and establish appropriate internal processes to meet the various deadlines and requirements set forth in the Rules. Given the complexity of the registration process and the potential for opposition or cancellation proceedings, early preparation is important to maximize the likelihood of successful registration and ongoing protection.
The information provided here is for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Legal advice should be obtained from qualified legal counsel for all specific situations.
