Registering Trademarks and Patents in Thailand

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Thailand is a key market and manufacturing base in Southeast Asia, and protecting intellectual property there is an essential part of any business plan. Thai IP rights are territorial, so a trademark or patent registered elsewhere does not automatically protect you in Thailand.

1. Trademarks

• Authority: the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) of the Ministry of Commerce.
• Routes: a national application, or designation of Thailand through the Madrid system, which Thailand joined in 2017. Foreign applicants usually act through a local agent with a power of attorney.
• Procedure: examination, publication and a 60-day opposition period. Once registered, the registration fee must be paid within the deadline.
• Duration: 10 years from the filing date, renewable for further 10-year periods.
• Thai-language mark: if you sell to Thai consumers, consider registering a version in Thai script.

2. Patents and designs

• Invention patents: 20 years from filing. After publication, the applicant must request substantive examination within five years.
• Petty patents: for inventions with a lower inventive step, granted without substantive examination before registration. Initial term of six years, renewable twice for two years each.
• Design patents: 10 years from filing.

Thailand is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), so foreign applicants can enter the Thai national phase from an international application, or file directly claiming Paris Convention priority. Invention patent examination can take some time, so early filing and good planning are important.

3. Practical tips

• File before entering the market or signing with distributors and manufacturers.
• Prepare documents in advance: powers of attorney and priority documents may need notarisation or translation into Thai.
• Thailand has a specialised Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, which handles IP disputes.
• Keep track of renewals and annuity payments.

The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily represent the position of NET CRAMAN. This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Rules and fees change over time; seek specific advice before acting.