THfiling code

Thailand

DIP · Department of Intellectual Property

Slow examination and a strict view of what counts as distinctive. Precision in the specification is what keeps a Thai file from stalling for a year.

Trademarks
System
First to file
Madrid Protocol
Member
To registration
~12–20 months
Term
10 years, renewable
Patents & designs
PCT
Member
Utility model
Petty patent
Hague (designs)
Not available
Design term
10 years

Petty patents register without substantive examination and suit incremental improvements. Full patent examination is slow, so file early and expect the grant to arrive well after launch.

What to watch in Thailand

Four things that decide whether the filing holds

  • Class headings get objected to

    Specifications must list goods precisely. A vague claim is the most common reason a Thai application drags.

  • Distinctiveness is examined strictly

    Suggestive marks often need argument or a disclaimer to get through.

  • Counterfeiting is active

    Customs recordal and market monitoring generally pay for themselves in this market.

  • Plan for the wait

    With registration up to 20 months out, filing before market entry is not optional if you want cover on day one.

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