Intellectual Property Rights in Thailand. Intellectual property (IP) rights are important for protecting the creations of individuals and businesses. In Thailand, there are several types of IP rights that are recognized and protected by law, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Here is a brief overview of each type of IP right in Thailand:
- Patents: A patent is a legal right granted to an inventor for their invention. In Thailand, patents are granted for a period of 20 years from the filing date of the patent application. To obtain a patent in Thailand, the invention must meet certain criteria, including novelty, inventiveness, and industrial applicability.
- Trademarks: A trademark is a symbol, word, or phrase used to distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another. In Thailand, trademarks are protected for a period of 10 years from the filing date of the trademark application. To register a trademark in Thailand, the mark must be distinctive and not identical or confusingly similar to a mark that has already been registered.
- Copyrights: Copyrights protect original works of authorship, such as literary, artistic, and musical works. In Thailand, copyrights are protected for the lifetime of the author plus 50 years. Copyrights do not need to be registered in Thailand, but registration can provide additional protection and evidence of ownership.
- Trade secrets: A trade secret is confidential information that provides a competitive advantage to a business. In Thailand, trade secrets are protected under the Trade Secrets Act. To be considered a trade secret, the information must be kept confidential and provide a competitive advantage to the business.
It is important to note that IP rights in Thailand are enforced through the legal system, and violations can result in legal action and penalties. Therefore, it is recommended to seek legal advice and assistance to ensure that your IP rights are properly protected in Thailand.