UK intellectual property firm Rouse has become the latest firm to launch an office in Myanmar with a team of two partners.

The London-headquartered outfit has opened in the former capital city Yangon, and claims to be the first international IP firm with a presence on the ground.

The new office, which opened this month, is focusing on filing and prosecution for trade marks, patents designs and geographic indications, in addition broader portfolio management, commercial work and IP commercialisation services.

Heading up the venture is litigation partner and Thailand country manager Fabrice Mattei, who is also the firm's head of patents, and who has been heavily involved in the Myanmar for the last five years.

Among his biggest mandates has been that granted by the Ministry of Science and Technology in the country – where he has assisted in drafting their first comprehensive trade mark legislation.

He is joined by local attorney Moe Mynn Thu, who joins the firm from Myanmar Brewery.

As well as being an experienced IP attorney, he also lectures in law at Yangon University and is a member of the IP laws drafting committee of Myanmar.

Commenting on the launch, the firm's chief executive Luke Minford said: "We are delighted to announce the opening of Myanmar office, the first of its kind for an international IP firm.

"We have worked actively in the Myanmar market for several years, and believe the time is now right to establish a base in the country. We already manage the IP of over 50 clients in Myanmar."

Mattei added that the country currently presented significant opportunities for IP work.

"Myanmar is a thriving, nascent economy, with a strategic position between India, China and Thailand," he said.

"Working in the country brings many opportunities, as well as challenges, to IP owners. The country's IP regime is currently undergoing huge, and positive change – now is the right time for companies to begin to understand and protect their IP in Myanmar."

Rouse, which now has a presence in 11 Asian jurisdictions, including an associated office in India and a liaison office in Australia, is among a raft of firms which has opened in Myanmar in the last year following the introduction of political reforms and a new foreign investment law in the country.

Others to make the move include Singapore law firm Rajah & Tann, which opened in January, UK outfit Stephenson Harwood, who secured an association with local law firm U Tin Yu in May, and Duane Morris' Asia partner Selvam & Partners, which launched with a team of 12 lawyers in Yangon in September.

Meanwhile, a string of other international firms which continue to eye the country for new opportunities but are yet to set up an office include Berwin Leighton Paisner, Norton Rose Fulbright and Baker & McKenzie.