1984
Ministry of Science and Technology founded. Responsibilities include overseeing
Intellectual Property matters.
1986
Launching of NEM, the New Economic Mechanism reform plan
Lao Government begins transition from central planning to a market economy.
Private sector growth encouraged.
1990
Intellectual Property system announced by the Council of Ministers:
DISM set up within the Ministry of Science and Technology.
1993
Ministry of Science and Technology becomes Science, Technology and Environment
Organisation (STENO).
1995
Lao PDR joins World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on January
17.
1998
October 8, Lao PDR becomes signatory to the Paris Convention
1999
STENO becomes the Science, Technology and Environment Agency, or STEA,
attached to the Prime Minister's Office.
DISM is now working on behalf of the Lao Government to improve the country's
ability to adhere to conventions and international protocols regarding
intellectual property rights.
Department Of Intellectual Property, Standardisation & Metrology (DISM)
The Intellectual Property division within this department is responsible for the protection of :
- Patents
- Industrial Designs
- Trademarks
- Petty Patents
DISM also registers trademarks for use within the Lao PDR.