Intellectual property (IP) rights in Thailand protect creations of the mind, including
trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets, and are overseen by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). Protection is established through registration for most IP, though copyright is often inherent to the work.

Thailand’s laws, such as the Trademark Act and Copyright Act, offer a framework for domestic and foreign entities to secure ownership, prevent infringement, and capitalize on their assets in the Thai market.

Types of IP Protection

  • Patents
  • Trademarks
  • Copyright
  • Registered Designs
  • Geographical Indications (GI)
  • Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits
  • Trade Secrets
  • Plant Varieties Protection

Main IP Lesgislation

  • Patents : Patent Act B.E. 2522 (1979), amended B.E. 2542 (1999) & B.E. 2562 (2019)
  • Trademarks : Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991), amended B.E. 2543 (2000) & B.E. 2562 (2019)
  • Copyright : Copyright Act 2021
  • Registered Designs : Registered Designs Act 2000
  • Geographical Indications (GI) : Geographical Indications Act 2014
  • Layout Designs of Integrated Circuits : Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits Act 1999• Trade Secrets : Protected under common law (Breach of Confidence)
  • Plant Varieties Protection : Plant Varieties Protection Act 2004

Key Aspects of the Thai IP System

  • First-to-File Principle: In design protection and some other areas, the first person to file an application for an identical design is awarded protection.
  • Role of the DIP: The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is the central administrative body for trademark, patent, design, and copyright systems.
  • Enforcement: Thailand has enforcement mechanisms in place, including legal action through the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court (IPIT Court).
  • International Treaties: Thailand is a member of key international agreements, such as the Berne Convention and the Madrid Protocol, which helps protect IP rights for foreign entities.

Main IP Authority:

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP Thailand) is the central government agency responsible for the administration and protection of intellectual property rights.

Web: www.ipthailand.go.th