There is no practical position of protecting patents in Myanmar although there has been the Science and Technology Development Law since 1994. The Ministry of Science and Technology was newly established in Myanmar as the focal point ministry, but, till now, there is no Myanmar Patent Office.
At the present, the Office of the Attorney-General is drafting the bills on the IP laws in compliance with the TRIPS Agreement due to the fact that Myanmar is a member of WTO, ASEAN, and at the latest, WIPO in 2001.
In this interim period before existence of specific IP laws, patent may be registered under section 18(f) of the Registration Act. A patent may be registered with the Registry of Deeds and Assurances by means of declaration which is a solemn statement of facts made by the patent owner. Publication of cautionary notice in a local designated newspaper based on registration is the sole process to remind the public for any possible passing-off and infringement of the right of patent ownership during the period of lack of promulgated law, rules and regulations involved.
There is no examination procedure for patent applications in Myanmar since Myanmar has no specific promulgated patent law and is still in the status of accomplishing redrafts on IP laws to be in compliance with TRIPS Agreement.