---
title: Thailand Trademark System Practice Guide | EVORIX
description: Comprehensive practice guide to Thailand trademark system (Trademark Act 1991, 2016 amendments).
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 2026/05/23

# Thailand Trademark System Practice Guide

![Picture of 弁理士 杉浦健文](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/top-profile-pic-sugiura-1.jpg?width=50&name=top-profile-pic-sugiura-1.jpg)  弁理士 杉浦健文

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For professionals responsible for trademark applications, registration, and enforcement in Thailand, this guide systematically outlines the full scope of trademark practice in ASEAN’s second-largest economy. Centered on **the 1991 Trademark Act (Trademark Act B.E. 2534)**, it covers DIP (Department of Intellectual Property) procedures, government fees, designations via the Madrid System (Thailand joined in 2017), **sound trademarks and multi-class applications introduced by the 2016 amendments**,and enforcement of rights at the CIPIT (Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court). A patent attorney will explain the information essential for brand protection in this market—where Japanese companies such as Toyota, Honda, Sony, and Mitsubishi have long operated.

Key Points of This Article

- Thailand’s current system is centered on **the 1991 Trademark Act (Trademark Act B.E. 2534)**, with major amendments in 2000 and 2016
- **Three Major Reforms of the 2016 Amendment**: Permission for Sound Mark Registration, Introduction of Multi-Class Applications, and Preparation for Madrid System Accession
- **Accession to the Madrid System (November 2017)**. Japanese companies can now designate Thailand via the Madrid System
- Foreign applicants **must appoint a local agent (IP Agent)**; the Power of Attorney (POA) must be notarized
- Examination System: **Formal Examination → Substantive Examination → Publication (60-day opposition period) → Registration** (Publication occurs prior to registration)
- Standard processing time is **12–18 months**; the Economic Police and Customs are actively enforcing counterfeit goods
- **CIPIT (Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court)** functions as a specialized intellectual property court

THAILAND TRADEMARK

A comprehensive guide to the trademark system and practices in Thailand, the second-largest economy in ASEAN, written by a patent attorney. It systematically explains everything from DIP applications to the 2016 amendments and the enforcement of rights at CIPIT across 12 sections.

### Table of Contents

1. [Executive Summary](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec1)
2. [Basic Structure of the System and Legal Basis](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec2)
3. [Eligibility of Applicants and Required Documents](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec3)
4. [Standard Process Flow and Timeline Management](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec4)
5. [Estimated Government Fees](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec5)
6. [Trademark Requirements and the 2016 Amendment](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec6)
7. [Opposition, Cancellation, and Invalidity Proceedings](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec7)
8. [Enforcement of Rights and Response to Infringement (Focus on CIPIT)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec8)
9. [Designation via the Madrid System](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec9)
10. [Maintenance, Renewal, and Cancellation](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec10)
11. [Risks Specific to Japanese Companies and Countermeasures](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec11)
12. [Practical Checklist for Japanese Companies](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/thailand-trademark-guide#sec12)

## 1. Executive Summary

Thai trademark practice is a statutory system centered on **the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991)**, with **Ministerial Regulations** and **DIP operational guidelines** governing applications, examinations, and disputes. It features a hybrid structure similar to Japan’s civil law system but also influenced by common law, characterized by **the high level of judicial expertise provided by CIPIT**.

Four Key Points to Keep in Mind for Thai Trademark Practice

1. There are two application methods**: “direct filing” and “filing via the Madrid System (Thailand joined in 2017).”** The former requires a local agent and a notarized Power of Attorney (POA).
2. Government fees **are denominated in THB (Thai Baht)**. The application fee for one class is approximately THB 1,000 (about 4,200 yen), making it a low-cost option.
3. Examination is characterized by **strict enforcement of absolute grounds for refusal (distinctiveness, public order and morality, and symbols of the Thai Royal Family)**. It is essential to consider filing a Thai phonetic translation of the trademark concurrently.
4. Enforcement involves a combination of **CIPIT (exclusive jurisdiction for both civil and criminal matters), the Economic Police, and customs measures**. Severe criminal penalties serve as a deterrent

## 2. Basic Structure of the System and Legal Sources

### Key Legislation and Operational Layers

The "primary law" of the Thai trademark system is **the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991)**, which evolved into the current framework **through amendments** in **B.E. 2543 (2000)** and **B.E. 2559 (2016)**.Core provisions include the definition of a trademark (Section 4), registration requirements (Sections 6–8), registration procedures (Sections 9–29), oppositions (Sections 35–37), cancellations (Sections 56–66), and criminal penalties (Sections 108–117).Procedural operations are specified in **Ministerial Regulations (B.E. 2535 and B.E. 2560)** and **the DIP Examination Manual**, which is referenced by examiners and practitioners.

### Role of the DIP (Department of Intellectual Property)

The **Department of Intellectual Property (DIP)**, under the Ministry of Commerce, is designated as the responsible authority for administrative functions such as trademark examination, registration, and information provision. The headquarters is located in Nonthaburi Province, north of Bangkok, with regional branches in major cities. An electronic filing system (e-Filing) has been established, and online procedures have been standardized.

### Judicial Forum (Centered on CIPIT)

| Institutions | Jurisdiction and Characteristics | Legal Basis |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **CIPIT (Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court)** | **Exclusive jurisdiction** over trademark infringement and cancellation lawsuits. A specialized court located in Bangkok | CIPIT Act B.E. 2539 |
| **Trademark Board** | Appeals against DIP rejection decisions | Trademark Act §96 |
| **Intellectual Property Division of the Court of Appeal** | Appeal against CIPIT Judgment | Court Organization Act |
| **Supreme Court Intellectual Property Division (Dika Court)** | Court of Last Instance | Court Organisation Act |
| **Economic Crime Suppression Division** | Criminal Investigation of Trademark Infringement | Criminal Procedure Code |
| **Customs Department** | Import Stoppage (Border Measures via IPR Registration) | Customs Act |

## 3. Applicant Eligibility and Required Documents

### Eligibility of Applicants

In Thailand, both individuals and corporations may file trademark applications. **Foreign applicants (those without an address or place of business in Thailand)** are **required to appoint a locally registered trademark agent (IP Agent)**. Japanese companies typically file applications with the DIP through a local agent.

**POA Requirements (Strict):** A Thai POA **must be notarized and accompanied by an Apostille or certified by the Thai Embassy**. As a general rule, the original document must be submitted within 60 days of the filing date. Note that the procedures are stricter than those in Vietnam or Indonesia.

### Required Documents

| Documents | Practical Points |
| --- | --- |
| **Application Form (Form Kor.01)** | Submit via DIP’s electronic filing system or on paper. Thai language is required in principle |
| **Trademark Specimen** | JPEG/PNG (standard 5×5 cm). For color trademarks: color sample + color description; for 3D trademarks: views from six directions; for sound trademarks: musical notation + audio file (supported since the 2016 amendment) |
| **Designated Goods and Services** | 45 classes under the Nice Classification. **Multiple-class applications permitted under the 2016 amendment**; fees apply per class |
| **POA** | Mandatory for foreign applicants. **Notarization and embassy authentication required** |
| **Priority Documents** | When claiming priority under the Paris Convention, submit within three months of the filing date with an English translation |
| **Certificate of Foreign Registration (Recommended)** | Attaching a certificate of registration from Japan or other countries is advantageous for establishing distinctiveness |

## 4. Standard Process and Timeline Management

① Filing (DIP e-Filing)  
↓  
② Formal Examination (approx. 1 month)  
↓  
③ Substantive Examination (6–10 months)  
↓  
④ Response to Rejection (60 days to reply to Office Action)  
↓  
⑤ Trademark  
Publication ↓  
⑥ Opposition Period (60 days from publication)  
↓  
⑦ Payment of Registration Fee → Issuance of  
Registration Certificate  
↓ ⑧ Renewal every 10 years

**Estimated Timeframe:** In smooth cases, **approximately 12–18 months from filing to registration**. Since notices of refusal regarding the distinctiveness of Thai words are frequent, it is safer to anticipate **18–24 months** to allow for responses.

## 5. Estimated Government Fees

| Item | Fee (THB) | Conversion to Japanese Yen (for reference) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Application Fee (1 class; up to 5 goods/services)** | THB 1,000 | Approx. 4,200 yen |
| **Additional Goods/Services (per item)** | THB 200 | Approx. 840 yen |
| **Additional category (per category)** | THB 1,000 | Approx. 4,200 yen |
| **Fee for filing an objection** | THB 2,000 | Approx. 8,400 yen |
| **Registration fee (per class)** | THB 600 | Approx. 2,500 yen |
| **Appeal (Trademark Board)** | THB 4,000 | Approx. 16,800 yen |
| **Renewal Fee (1 Class / Within Deadline)** | THB 2,000 | Approx. 8,400 yen |
| **Renewal fee (within 6-month grace period)** | THB 4,000 (double) | Approx. 16,800 yen |

## 6. Trademark Requirements and the 2016 Amendment

### Registerable Trademarks (Expanded by the 2016 Amendment)

- **Word Marks** (Thai script, Roman letters, Chinese characters, etc.)
- **Figurative Marks and Combined Marks**
- **Three-dimensional trademarks (3D Marks)**
- **Sound Marks** — **First made registrable under the 2016 amendments**
- **Color Trademarks** (limited to color combinations)
- **Collective marks and certification marks**

### Key Points of the 2016 Amendment

Four Amendments of Particular Importance to Japanese Companies

- **Registration of Sound Marks Now Permitted**
- **Lifting of the ban on multi-class applications** (previously, one application per class)
- **Preparations for Madrid Protocol accession** (implemented in November 2017)
- **Structural Reform of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board** (DIP Internal Organization)

### Absolute grounds for refusal (Section 7)

- Lack of Distinctiveness (Descriptive or Generic Marks)
- **Violation of public order and morality (particularly strict regarding expressions related to the Thai Royal Family and Buddhism)**
- Trademarks Likely to Cause Confusion
- Unauthorized Use of National Flags, Emblems, and Emblems of International Organizations
- Three-dimensional trademarks consisting solely of functional shapes

### Relative grounds for refusal (Section 8)

- Similarity to prior applications or registered trademarks
- Similarity to a well-known trademark (may include dissimilar goods)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s name or likeness
- Names registered as geographical indications

## 7. Opposition, Cancellation, and Invalidity Proceedings

### Opposition During the Publication Period (Section 35)

Any person may file an opposition **within 60 days** of the trademark’s publication. The opponent may rely on either absolute or relative grounds for refusal.

### Post-Registration Invalidity Proceedings (Sections 60–65)

Within five years of registration, any interested party may file a request for cancellation with **the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board** (no time limit applies in cases of bad faith or violation of public order and morals). The Board’s decision is subject to judicial review by **the CIPIT**.

### Cancellation for Non-Use (Section 63)

If **a trademark has not been used for three consecutive years** following registration **without justifiable cause**, any interested party may file a petition for cancellation with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. The period is the same as in Japan (3 years), so it is important to begin using the trademark early after registration.

## 8. Enforcement of Rights and Response to Infringement (Focus on CIPIT)

### CIPIT (Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court)

Thailand **established the CIPIT (Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court)** in **1996**, establishing a globally advanced specialized court system to centrally handle intellectual property cases. A key feature is that it handles **both civil and criminal cases** from the first instance.

Features of CIPIT

- Centralized processing by specialized intellectual property judges
- **Simultaneous Civil and Criminal Proceedings** (Decisions on Both Matters in a Single Proceeding)
- Processing time: Typically **10–18 months**
- Prompt issuance of preliminary injunctions (within a few weeks)
- Acceptance of documents submitted in English (partially)

### Civil Remedies

- Injunctions
- Damages
- Order to destroy infringing goods
- Order for Publication of Judgment in Newspapers

### Criminal Penalties (Sections 108–117)

| Types of Violations | Penalties |
| --- | --- |
| **Trademark counterfeiting** | Imprisonment for up to 4 years and a fine of up to THB 400,000 (approx. 1.7 million yen) |
| **Imitation of a Trademark** | Imprisonment for up to 2 years + a fine of up to THB 200,000 (approx. 850,000 yen) |
| **Sale, Import, or Export of Counterfeit Trademarked Goods** | Up to 4 years’ imprisonment + a fine of up to THB 400,000 |

### Customs Interdiction

Trademark owners can stop infringing goods at the import stage by registering an IPR Recordal **with Thai Customs**. The Recordal must be renewed every two years, and the registration fee is THB 5,000 (approx. 21,000 yen).

## 9. Designation via the Madrid Protocol

Thailand **acceded to the Madrid Protocol in November 2017**, allowing Japanese companies to designate Thailand via the Madrid System. By filing [an international trademark application](https://www.evorix.jp/マドプロ国際商標出願) through [the Madrid](https://www.evorix.jp/マドプロ国際商標出願) System via the Japan Patent Office, you can designate all 132 member countries, including Thailand, in a single application.

| Item | Direct Filing | Via the Madrid Protocol |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Local Agent** | Required | Not required (only when responding to a rejection) |
| **POA requirements** | Notarization + Embassy authentication | Not required |
| **Language** | Thai | English |
| **Processing Time** | 12–18 months | Mandatory examination **within 18 months** |
| **Fees (per class)** | THB 1,000 + Agent Fees | CHF 100 + JPO fees |

## 10. Maintenance, Renewal, and Cancellation

The term of a Thai trademark registration is **10 years from the date of registration** (based on the registration date, not the filing date). It can be renewed every 10 years, with no limit on the number of renewals. Applications can be filed **starting three months before** the renewal deadline, and there is **a six-month grace period** after expiration (at double the fee).

## 11. Risks Specific to Japanese Companies and Countermeasures

### Issues Regarding Distinctiveness in Thai

**A pitfall unique to Thailand:** The DIP strictly examines **distinctiveness in Thai**. There are frequent cases where Japanese trademarks are deemed descriptive or generic in Thai. In practice, it is crucial **to file a concurrent application for a Thai transliteration of the trademark** and to submit an affidavit demonstrating actual use after registration.

### Consideration for the Thai Royal Family and Religion

Thailand is extremely strict regarding the use of **royal symbols and Buddhist-related expressions** in trademarks. Words such as “Royal” and “King,” as well as motifs such as crowns and Buddhist statues, are generally not registrable. **Prior consultation with an expert before entering the market** is essential.

### Counterfeit Goods Markets (Pratunam, MBK, etc.)

**Platinum Market and MBK Center** in central Bangkok are globally renowned hubs for the distribution of counterfeit goods. There have been numerous cases of Japanese brands being affected. Comprehensive measures combining **cooperation with the Economic Police, continuous market monitoring, and customs recordal registration** are essential.

## 12. Practical Checklist for Japanese Companies

### Pre-filing

- Conduct **prior trademark searches** using the DIP database
- Consider filing **a Thai phonetic translation trademark** simultaneously (highly recommended)
- Check for expressions related to the Royal Family and Buddhism
- Arrange for notarization and embassy certification of the Power of Attorney (time-consuming)

### During Prosecution

- POA must be filed within 60 days of the filing date
- Claim of Paris Convention priority must be filed within 3 months of the filing date
- Preparation for a Notice of Refusal regarding distinctiveness (e.g., submission of foreign registration certificates)
- Strictly adhere to the 60-day response deadline; file an appeal with the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board within 90 days

### Post-filing (Enforcement / Maintenance)

- Commence use within 3 years of registration (to prevent cancellation for non-use)
- Register **IPR** with **Customs** to implement border measures against counterfeit goods
- Renewal may be initiated starting 3 months prior to expiration; based on the registration date (not the filing date)
- Upon discovering infringement, it is effective to **file both civil and criminal complaints simultaneously with CIPIT**
- For large-scale or organized infringement, coordinate with the Economic Police

## Summary

The Thai trademark system has been modernized through the 2016 amendments **to the 1991 Trademark Act** (introducing sound trademarks, multiple classes, and preparations for the Madrid Protocol), **and CIPIT** is internationally recognized for **its high level of judicial expertise**. For Japanese companies to successfully establish their brands in the Thai market, **early filing prior to market entry (including Thai phonetic translations of trademarks)** and a system for **integrated civil and criminal enforcement of rights through CIPIT** are essential.Please also see our [Madrid Protocol international trademark application](https://www.evorix.jp/マドプロ国際商標出願) and [trademark registration services](https://www.evorix.jp/trademark-service).

### Consultation on Thai Trademark Applications

EVORIX Intellectual Property Law Firm provides comprehensive support for trademark applications and enforcement in major ASEAN countries, including Thailand. Our experienced patent attorneys handle everything from strategic planning for direct filings and Madrid Protocol applications to measures for Thai-language distinctiveness, counterfeit prevention (CIPIT, Economic Police, Customs), and coordination with local agents.

[Go to the Inquiry Form →](https://www.evorix.jp/inquiry) [View the Consultation Process](https://www.evorix.jp/consultation)

## Sources & Reference Materials

### ▼ Primary Legislation

- **Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991)** + Amendment B.E. 2543 (2000) + Amendment B.E. 2559 (2016)
- **Ministerial Regulation B.E. 2535 (1992)** + Amendment B.E. 2560 (2017) (Rules of Procedure for Applications)
- **CIPIT Act B.E. 2539 (1996 Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court Act)**
- Thai Criminal Code: Provisions Related to Trademark Counterfeiting
- Customs Act: Provisions Related to IPR Border Measures

### ▼ Official Sources

- **DIP (Department of Intellectual Property) Official Website**: [ipthailand.go.th](https://www.ipthailand.go.th)
- **WIPO IP Portal (Thailand)**: [wipo.int](https://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/ip_country/thailand.html)
- **WIPO Lex (Thailand IP Laws Database)**: [wipo.int/wipolex](https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/index.html)
- **Accession to the Madrid Protocol (November 2017)**: WIPO Madrid System
- **CIPIT (Central Intellectual Property International Commercial Court) Official Site**: [cipitc.coj.go.th](https://www.cipitc.coj.go.th)

### ▼ Explanatory Materials from Japanese Organizations

- **JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)** Report: "Intellectual Property System in Thailand"
- **Japan Patent Office** “Information on Foreign Industrial Property Rights Systems (Thailand)”
- **INPIT (National Institute of Industrial Property Information and Training)** Intellectual Property Information on Emerging Countries
- **JICA** Intellectual Property Cooperation Project (for Thailand) Report

### ▼ International Agreements

- **Paris Convention** (Thailand joined in 2008)
- **Madrid Protocol** (Thailand acceded in November 2017)
- **TRIPS Agreement** (WTO accession: 1995)
- **RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)** (Entered into force in 2022)
- **JTEPA (Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement)** (Entered into force in 2007)

\*This article is based on the above primary sources and official information as of April 2026 and is intended to provide general information. As laws and regulations are subject to change, we recommend consulting primary sources and experts for the latest information. For specific decisions regarding individual cases, we recommend consulting experts, including local agents.

![杉浦健文 弁理士](https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/HP-%E5%BC%81%E7%90%86%E5%A3%AB%E7%B4%B9%E4%BB%8B-%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%95%E3%82%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E7%94%BB%E5%83%8F.png)

AUTHOR / Author

Takefumi Sugiura

**Representative** Patent **Attorney**, EVORIX Intellectual Property Firm

Assists clients across a wide range of industries—including IT, manufacturing, startups, fashion, and healthcare—from patent, trademark, design, and copyright applications through to trials and infringement litigation. Also well-versed in intellectual property strategies for cutting-edge fields such as AI, IoT, Web3, and FinTech. Member of multiple organizations, including **the Japan Patent Attorneys Association, the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA), and the Japan Trademark Association (JTA)**.

[→ Detailed Patent Attorney Profile](https://www.evorix.jp/staff) [→ Consultations & Inquiries](https://www.evorix.jp/inquiry) [→ Consultation Process](https://www.evorix.jp/consultation)

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---

[![知的財産事務所エボリクス/EVORIX/大阪/特許・商標・意匠登](https://www.evorix.jp/hs-fs/hubfs/%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png?width=500&height=250&name=%E7%9F%A5%E7%9A%84%E8%B2%A1%E7%94%A3%E4%BA%8B%E5%8B%99%E6%89%80%E3%82%A8%E3%83%9C%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AF%E3%82%B9%20(500%20%C3%97%20250%20px).png "知的財産事務所エボリクス/EVORIX/大阪/特許・商標・意匠登")](https://www.evorix.jp)

Intellectual Property Law Firm EVORIX

 

4th Floor, Qus-Hiranomachi Building,  
3-1-2 Hiranomachi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka-shi,  
Osaka 541-0046 Japan

Mail: [contact@evorix.jp](mailto:contact@evorix.jp)

TEL: +81-6-7777-1884

- [Hague International Design Application](https://www.evorix.jp/hague-design-application)
- [Madrid Protocol International Trademark Application](https://www.evorix.jp/madrid-protocol-trademark)
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- [About Us](https://www.evorix.jp/about)
- [Our Attorneys](https://www.evorix.jp/staff)
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---

 

Copyright © 2026, Intellectual Property Law Firm EVORIX® All rights reserved. 

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