THE Central Committee on Intellectual Property held its meeting 1/2026 at the Ministry of Commerce in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday afternoon, chaired by Vice-President Nan Ni Ni Aye, who called for stronger cooperation to enhance the country’s intellectual property (IP) system and support innovation-driven economic development.
In her opening remarks, the Vice-President said Myanmar has already adopted its 2023- 2028 National Intellectual Property Strategy and has established systems to receive, examine and register applications for industrial designs, trademarks, patents, and copyrights. She stressed that relevant ministries and organizations must work closely with the Intellectual Property Department to strengthen IP protection and prevent infringement.
She also urged authorities to build on the outcomes of the country’s first International Intellectual Property Conference, held in 2025, by implementing its recommendations and modernizing Myanmar’s IP framework. Continuous public awareness campaigns targeting businesses, particularly MSMEs, were highlighted as a priority to encourage wider understanding and use of IP rights.
The Vice-President emphasized the need to promote research, innovation and technology transfer by linking universities, research institutions and MSMEs through a stronger IP ecosystem. She also called for greater public access to Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) and encouraged wider protection and promotion of Myanmar’s regional and local products through intellectual property rights.
She added that Myanmar is implementing ASEAN’s regional IP action plans and should continue preparing to join international IP treaties and conventions administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), further integrating the country’s IP system with global standards.
The meeting also reviewed progress made since the previous committee session, discussed ongoing IP development initiatives, and heard recommendations from committee members and experts before concluding.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister for Commerce U Tun Ohn, who is also Central Committee Vice-Chair, deputy ministers and relevant officials. — MNA/ST
