Abide by Patent Law for the sake of creators

The Patent Law, enacted as Pyidaungsu Hluttaw Law No 7 in 2019, officially came into force on 31 May 2024. This law is designed to safeguard the rights and interests of those who hold patent rights, fostering the development of their innovations.
A patent right is a legal protection granted to all types of creations derived from knowledge and intellectual property. In today’s world, intellectual property rights have become crucial across all sectors due to technological advancements, heightened competition, and the expansion of the market economy.
Among the various types of intellectual property rights, patents have been particularly significant for centuries. Numerous beneficial inventions, such as Edison’s light bulb, cameras, lenses, dynamite, penicillin, computers, and telephones, have all been protected by intellectual property rights. These inventions have significantly enhanced human life. Consequently, innovations and creations that are novel and can be applied in any industry deserve protection under patent law.
However, not all innovations qualify for patent protection. Discoveries, scientific theories, mathematical methods, business practices, rules related to mental activities or games, and innovations that could harm public morality, peace, stability, health, or the environment do not receive protection. Furthermore, innovations prohibited by existing laws concerning the state territory are also excluded.
In our era of rapid technological advancement, disputes over intellectual property rights have become increasingly common. The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is particularly prone to such disputes. For instance, the New York Times’ lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft over AI research was a major issue in 2023. This highlights the importance of self-reliance in innovation. Only when individuals rely on their own creations and innovations can they earn recognition and applause.
Human intellectual innovations are the primary source of all creations and advancements. Therefore, it is the responsibility of governments and relevant authorities to grant protection to all innovative products, enabling creators to enjoy the fruits of their labour. As Myanmar pursues economic integration and cooperation with the international community, individuals must adhere to the provisions of the Patent Law. By doing so, their empathy and respect for intellectual property rights will benefit everyone.
When everyone commits to protecting all innovations, it nurtures the creativity of inventors, encouraging them to produce more innovations for the benefit of society. Thus, abiding by patent law not only protects individual rights but also contributes to the collective progress and well-being of the community.