Thailand introduces fast-track trademark renewal and application procedures

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) of Thailand has just introduced fast track options for both their trademark renewals and applications.

Trademark renewals

As per the new fast-track process, trademarks can now be renewed (with the issuance of a proper Trademark Certificate) within 45 minutes. The process got significantly faster, as it used to take about 12 months from the filing date. This new scheme applies to late renewals as well.

The requirements are:

1. The trademark registration should contain a maximum of 30 items of goods or services;
2. No amendment to the trademark registration (recordal, change of goods or services, etc.) are allowed;
3. All the supporting documents need to be submitted at the time of filing.

A quick reminder that in Thailand, a renewal request can only be filed within 3 months prior to the expiration date of a trademark and we would need a duly notarised Power of Attorney to register as your representative.

Trademark applications

The examination of a trademark is expected to be completed within 6 months from the filing date. This is a substantial improvement as compared to the standard system wherein the applicants would need to wait for about 18 months before receiving the first examination report.

To qualify for the fast-track process, the application should meet the following criteria:

1. The number of goods and/or services must not be higher than 10 items;
2. The designations need to strictly follow the acceptable descriptions as per local practice;
3. No amendments are allowed after the filing;
4. All the required documents need to be available at the time of filing the application.

We can help you review the list of goods and services to make sure it is in line with the Registry’s standards. As for renewals, a duly notarised Power of Attorney is necessary to proceed with the filings in this jurisdiction.

We are glad to inform you that no additional fee will be charged for fast track trademark renewals and applications.

We salute the efforts of the local authorities in aligning their practice with international standards in an effort to enhance the country’s competitiveness. That being said, we would like to highlight that these new options have just been implemented and there could be some changes in the near future.

If you wish to benefit from this scheme or require further details, please get in touch.You can also visit our website to learn more about our services.