Industrial Design Renewal in Myanmar

Myanmar’s Industrial Design regime has undergone a significant transformation since the enactment and enforcement of the Industrial Design Law No. 23/2019 (“IDL”) and its implementing Rules. Effective October 31, 2023, the new law heralded a modernized framework for the protection, renewal, and exploitation of industrial design rights. As of 2025, businesses seeking to renew design registrations must navigate both legal requirements and strategic considerations to optimize portfolio value and commercial enforceability.

Legal Basis for Renewal

The IDL establishes a 15‑year maximum protection period for registered industrial designs, divided into three five‑year terms:

Initial term – five years from the filing date;
First renewal – five additional years;
Second renewal – final five‑year extension.

Each renewal must be formally requested within six months prior to expiry, with an additional six‑month grace period subject to late fees.

Renewals beyond the two permitted extensions are not permissible, and any lapsed renewal leads to the expiration of rights.

Renewal Procedure

Eligibility and Timing

Only registered designs (granted after opposition and formality clearance) qualify.
The renewal window opens six months before the filing anniversary and closes six months after – inclusive of grace.
Strict adherence to timing ensures no lapse and continued enforceability.

Documentation and Submission

Applicants must submit:

Form ID‑11 – Request for renewal (mandatory).
Design details: registration number, filing date, and title.
Power of attorney (if via agent).
Payment proof.

No representative form (ID‑2) is required if filing locally, but foreign applicants must use ID‑2 with notarization.

Submission methods include:

Electronic filing via IPD (urgent trend in 2025)
In-person at the Intellectual Property Department (IPD)
Registered post

Electronic filings are increasingly encouraged under the 2023 Rules.

Administrative Examination

Upon receipt, the IPD conducts:

Formality review: completeness and fee verification.
Substantive check: any pending oppositions or unresolved disputes.

The IPD may issue a 30‑day correction notice if issues are found, as per IPD FAQ.

Final Registration and Publication

Clearance leads to:

Entry in the Trade Marks & Designs Register
Official renewal certificate issuance
Public notification in the official gazette
Updated renewal validity of five years from the prior expiry date