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Trademark & Copyright Registration in Thailand
Complete guide to registering trademarks and protecting copyrights in Thailand — from DIP application to enforcement and renewal.
Overview
This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of Trademark & Copyright Registration in Thailand, including required documents, timelines, and expert tips to help you navigate the process successfully.
Step-by-Step Process
Conduct a Trademark Search
Search the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) database to ensure your proposed mark is not already registered or pending. A professional search reduces the risk of rejection or opposition.
Documents Required
- Proposed trademark image/text
- List of goods/services
Tips
- Use the DIP online search at ipthailand.go.th
- Consider hiring a trademark agent for a comprehensive search
File Trademark Application at DIP
Submit your trademark application to the Department of Intellectual Property with the prescribed form, specimen of the mark, and classification of goods/services under the Nice Classification system.
Documents Required
- Application form (Kor. 01)
- Trademark specimen
- Power of attorney (if using agent)
- Applicant ID/company documents
Tips
- Filing fee is THB 1,000 per class
- Ensure your mark is distinctive — generic or descriptive marks will be refused
Examination Period
DIP examines the application for compliance with the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991). The examiner checks distinctiveness, similarity to existing marks, and prohibited marks. You may receive office actions requiring response.
Tips
- Respond to office actions within 60 days or the application will lapse
- You can appeal examiner rejections to the Trademark Board
Opposition Period
If the mark passes examination, it is published in the Trademark Gazette. Third parties have 60 days to file an opposition against your registration.
Tips
- Monitor the Gazette for marks that may conflict with yours
- If opposed, you must file a counter-statement within 60 days
Registration & Certificate
If no opposition is filed (or opposition is resolved in your favor), the mark proceeds to registration. Pay the registration fee and receive your trademark certificate.
Documents Required
- Registration fee receipt (THB 600 per class)
Tips
- Registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date
- You can use the ® symbol once registered
Renewal Every 10 Years
Trademarks must be renewed every 10 years. File a renewal application within 90 days before expiration. Late renewal is possible within 6 months after expiration with a surcharge.
Tips
- Set calendar reminders for renewal deadlines
- Renewal fee is THB 2,000 per class
Copyright Protection (Automatic)
Copyright in Thailand is automatic upon creation of an original work — no registration is required. However, voluntary registration with DIP provides evidentiary benefits. Copyright lasts for the author's lifetime plus 50 years.
Documents Required
- Copy of the work
- Author identification
Tips
- Registration is optional but recommended for enforcement
- Registration fee is minimal (THB 200-400)
- Keep dated records of creation as evidence
Copyright Enforcement
Enforce your copyright through cease-and-desist letters, DIP complaint, police complaint (criminal), or civil litigation. Criminal penalties include up to 4 years imprisonment and THB 800,000 fine.
Tips
- Gather evidence of infringement before taking action
- Criminal enforcement through Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) can be effective
Requirements
- Trademark must be distinctive (not generic or descriptive)
- Must not be identical or similar to existing registered marks
- Must not contain prohibited marks (royal symbols, national flags, etc.)
- Applicant must be the owner or authorized user of the mark
- Goods/services must be properly classified under Nice Classification
Tips & Warnings
Pro Tips
- File in Thailand early — Thailand uses a first-to-file system, not first-to-use
- Consider filing in multiple classes if your business covers different product categories
- A Thai trademark attorney can significantly speed up the process and handle DIP communications
- For copyright, always include a © notice with year and owner name on your works
- Register your trademark with Thai Customs to prevent counterfeit imports
Important Warnings
- Using an unregistered trademark offers limited protection — register to secure your rights
- Trademark squatting is common — file before entering the Thai market
- Failure to use a registered trademark for 3 consecutive years may lead to cancellation
- Copyright registration does NOT create rights — it only provides evidence of ownership
- Penalties for trademark infringement: up to 4 years imprisonment and THB 800,000 fine
Video Guide Coming Soon
We're working on a video walkthrough for this guide. Check back soon!
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