Myanmar's coup and trademark refilings

Myanmar’s military coup is creating great uncertainty for the country. The IP system is drawing towards the close of the soft opening period. This is the time during which trademarks registered under the old deposit system at the Registry of Deeds can be reapplied for at the new IP Office.  This process is due to complete on March 31st after which no more refilings can occur. At that point the full Trademarks filing system is due to open for new applications. 

Right now the e-filing system continues to operate for refilings. Due to Covid, IP attorneys are mainly working from home. So at present IP owners can send their instructions and continue to refile online. 

It is not clear whether the coup will cause any interference with the trademark soft opening period or the development of the IP system generally. IP Owners need to monitor for news.  It is strongly recommended not to wait until the last minute (i.e. late March) to submit refiling instructions as any delay may mean missing the soft launch loss the validity of earlier recorded marks.

A further concern is sanctions. If doing business in Myanmar becomes a risk, then trademark filings for foreign companies may become impossible, (as they are in certain other countries under sanctions). Again, a reason not to wait to refile in case the door closes earlier than end March.