Validation agreement with Laos takes effect

• On the basis of a single European patent application, patent protection can now be obtained in up to 46 countries, following the entry into force of the validation agreement between the European Patent Organisation and Laos today

• This is the sixth validation agreement to enter into force, in addition to those between the European Patent Organisation and Morocco, the Republic of Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia and Georgia

Munich, 1 April 2025 – Today marks the entry into force of the validation agreement between the European Patent Organisation and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which enables granted European patents to be validated in Laos under the country's national patent law. 

EPO President António Campinos said: “Our validation agreement with Laos expands the reach and impact of the European patent system, cutting costs and reducing complexity for users, while supporting foreign direct investment, trade and technology transfer. It opens new doors for companies, research institutes, and inventors in Laos to cooperate more closely with global users of our patent system, in turn unlocking the potential to scale innovations that tackle sustainability challenges.” 

The Director General of the Laos Department of Intellectual Property, Xaysomphet Norasingh, said: “The validation agreement with the European Patent Organisation is an important milestone in advancing the protection of industrial property and supporting the further development of the innovation ecosystem in Laos. Our partnership creates new possibilities, not only for innovative businesses but also for the co-operation between our two offices, which will ensure that we have the capabilities and best practices for the future.” 

Broad protection through a single European patent application

Under the agreement, European patent applications and patents validated in Laos will have the same effect and be subject to the same conditions as national patents in Laos. The accompanying technical co-operation between the EPO and the Laos Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will help strengthen the development of the country’s national patent system and further foster innovation. The validation of European patents is also an important element for helping to attract foreign investment in Laos. 

The agreement was originally signed on 13 May 2024 and is the sixth of its kind and the second from Southeast Asia to enter into force. It follows those concluded between the European Patent Organisation and Morocco, the Republic of Moldova, Tunisia, Cambodia and Georgia. With six validation agreements in force and the extension agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of countries for which patent protection can be obtained on the basis of a single European patent application rises to 46.

About validation agreements

Under validation agreements, the most advanced form of co-operation between the EPO and non-member states, inventors and businesses can validate their European patents outside Europe via a simple, cost-effective procedure using the EPO’s high-quality patent grant process. In addition to making the countries’ markets more attractive to holders of European patents, validation agreements can support foreign investment and technology transfer while strengthening the national innovation ecosystem.