THE PAST AND PRESENT OF MYANMAR (BURMESE) PATENT LAW

In recent years, Myanmar has taken its place on the world stage, causing both disquiet and uncertainty in the international community in terms of its policies relating to various legal and political matters. This former kingdom with its long and impressive history, and comprising many different ethnic groups, has experienced long periods of occupation and colonial rule, the most recent being as a British colony prior to independence in 1948. Today, despite having a democratically elected government, Myanmar continues to live under the shadow of the former military dictatorship which ruled the country from 1962 to 2011. Many aspects of its legal system have recently come under scrutiny, including its policies towards intellectual property rights. This paper explores the history of patent law in Myanmar, making the connection with the country’s turbulent past, as well as offering a glimpse of what may be a possible future regarding patent protection. It will also examine the international treaties and organizations to which Myanmar is a signatory, and its recognition of foreign patents. There will be some discussion of patent rights in neighbouring countries and other intellectual property protections.