(KPL)In Officials and industry representatives gathered in the capital this week for a seminar aimed at strengthening intellectual property (IP) enforcement and improving awareness of trademark and copyright protection.

The two-day event, held March 30–31 at the Amari Hotel Vientiane, was organized by the Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with Tilleke & Gibbins.

The seminar was presided over by Xaysomphet Norasingh, Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property, and attended by government officials, legal experts, and business representatives.

Organizers said the event focused on improving the ability of authorities to identify counterfeit goods, understand dispute resolution procedures, and better protect trademarks, copyrights, and related rights.

Participants heard presentations from economic police, customs officials, trade authorities, and judicial representatives, as well as guest speakers from Thailand who shared regional experience in tackling intellectual property violations.

The seminar also included hands-on training sessions, where representatives from major brands such as Toyota, Kubota, Honda, and Canon Inc. demonstrated how to distinguish genuine products from counterfeits.

Officials say the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen enforcement capacity, raise public awareness, and build investor confidence in Laos’ intellectual property system

KPL