By Khin Yupar 

Myanmar officially rolled out its patent registration system on 31 October 2024, marking a major milestone for intellectual property protection in the country. One key aspect that patent applicants often ask about is translation requirements — and it’s an important point to get right if you want to secure and enforce your patent rights effectively in Myanmar.

In this short post, we’ll clarify the role of translation in Myanmar’s patent filing process, and when it’s compulsory.

📌 What Does the Patent Law Say About Translation?

Translation requirements are addressed under Section 9(a) and (b) of Myanmar’s Patent Law:

• Section 9(a): Applicants may file a patent application in either Myanmar or English.
• Section 9(b): If requested by the Registrar, applicants must provide a translation of the application — either from Myanmar to English or vice versa.

In other words: while you have the freedom to file in either language initially, you should be ready to translate your documents if the Registrar calls for it.

📌 How Does This Work in Practice?

Currently, applicants can choose to file patent applications in both languages simultaneously — in Myanmar and English — which is a practical way to streamline the process and potentially secure an earlier filing date.

However, if you decide to file the application in English only, it’s important to note that a Myanmar translation of key patent specification documents — such as the description, abstract, and claims — must be submitted before the publication stage, if requested by the patent examiner.

This means translation isn’t always compulsory at the outset, but it becomes mandatory under certain conditions during the prosecution process.

📌 Why Is This Important for Applicants?

Understanding and anticipating the translation requirement is crucial for several reasons:

• It ensures your patent application proceeds smoothly without unnecessary delays.
• Accurate translations help prevent misunderstandings or legal ambiguities that could jeopardize your patent rights.
• Being prepared allows you to respond promptly to any requests from the Registrar, especially as the examination and publication stages approach.

📌 Final Takeaway

Is translation compulsory in Myanmar’s patent applications?

Not always at the point of filing — but it can become mandatory depending on the circumstances.

The best practice? Carefully prepare accurate translations of your patent documents and consider submitting both Myanmar and English versions when possible. This proactive approach can simplify the process and position your patent application for success in Myanmar’s evolving IP landscape.

In if you are seeking advice from the experts in the IP field, we are here ready to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at kass@kass.asia!