Since Thailand joined the Madrid Protocol in 2017, the process for international trademark registrations (IR) has become more streamlined. However, a technical issue at the Thai Trade Mark Office (TMO) caused delays in issuing local registration certificates for IRs designating Thailand. The TMO has now resolved this issue and started issuing local registration certificates for IRs designating Thailand, marking an important development for brand owners who have been awaiting official confirmation.

For years, the TMO had committed to issuing local certificates following the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) statement of grant but provisional refusals concerning goods and services specifications caused delays. The good news is that, as of August 2024, the TMO has resolved the technical issues, and the office began issuing certificates in early September 2024.

The TMO is now working through the backlog, starting with applications filed in 2017 and 2018. For IRs that did not face provisional refusals, certificates are being processed subsequently. This development provides long-awaited relief for brand owners waiting for their official registration certificates in Thailand.

Looking Forward

As the TMO works through the remaining backlog, brand owners are encouraged to review their portfolios, especially IR designations affected by provisional refusals. This step marks a positive shift in Thailand's trademark registration process, offering greater clarity and efficiency for international trademark applicants seeking protection in the region.

We encourage brand owners to stay updated on these changes and reach out if they need support with their portfolios.

 Authors

• Somphob Rodboon, Managing Partner
• Thanapha Phetkeereeskul, Senior Associate