Last updated on April 12, 2026
A trademark in Thailand is basically a mark, logo, or brand that is visible and acts as an invoice in regards to a specific product. A trademark for a product helps consumers identify it. It shows that the product is different or unique from others. A trademark in Thailand can be any picture, icon, symbol, word(s) or letter(s), including a specific font type, as defined in the registration of a trademark. Trademarks can be very important for companies in Thailand.
This can be either a single image or word(s) or a combination of both. An example of a trademark that is solely an icon is Nike brand sports apparel. For a trademark that uses only words, think of Sony electronics. An example of a trademark with both an image and words is Nestle food products.
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What is a trademark in Thailand
In Thailand, a trademark is any mark or symbol used to distinguish one person’s goods or services from another’s. It can be a word, logo, image, sound, or even a combination of these. Registering a trademark gives you the exclusive right to use it in Thailand and helps protect your brand from being copied or misused. Whether you’re launching a new product, building a business, or expanding into the Thai market, securing your trademark is one of the smartest legal steps you can take.
Trademark Basics in Thailand
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is a trademark? | A trademark is a sign or logo used to identify goods or services and distinguish them from others. |
| Who can register a trademark in Thailand? | Both Thai and foreign individuals or companies can register trademarks through the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). |
| Where to register? | At the Department of Intellectual Property in Bangkok or online via ipthailand.go.th. |
| How long does it take? | On average, the process takes 12–18 months, depending on objections and revisions. |
| How long is a trademark valid? | 10 years from the registration date, renewable for additional 10-year periods. |
| Do I need a lawyer? | Not required, but having a lawyer can help with proper classification and handling objections or rejections. |
| Can I trademark a logo and a name? | Yes, you can register both separately or together depending on your strategy. |
Importance of a Trademark in Thailand
Trademarks are important in that they allow consumers to easily identify the manufacturer of any given product. The trademark ensures that product being purchased has the qualities and standards a consumer associates with the manufacturer. To put it another, how many people actually know how to manufacture a television? Not very many.
So, how would someone with no knowledge of how a television is produced, be able to make a decision about the quality of one? By the trademark. Since manufacturers cannot be at every mall or store worldwide, a trademark acts as a “quality control representative.” It helps assure customers about the quality and standards of their products anytime and anywhere. It’s important in corporate law in Thailand.
Why Register a Trademark in Thailand?
In business, a trademark is not legally protected unless it is registered with a commercial authority. This means other companies can use the unregistered trademark for their products. They might even misuse it to harm the original business. This happens when the business in Thailand has not registered the trademark as its own property. Registering the trademark for your business gives you full legal protection against product fraud. It also provides your business in Thailand with public visibility that consumers can recognize. You can learn more about this here.
Where to Register a Trademark?
The owner of a trademark can apply to register it in Thailand. They can do this at the Registration Application Service Group. This group is on the 3rd floor of the Department of Intellectual Property. This department is part of the Ministry of Commerce. They can also apply at any Provincial Department of Business Development. You can apply for trademark registration by mail or online at www.ipthailand.go.th. Please review the DIP website before starting the online application.
The Filing Process
Before submitting a trademark application, the applicant must check how similar their trademark is to existing ones. They should also consider trademarks that are waiting for approval. Any trademark submitted for registration cannot too closely resemble any other trademarks, otherwise the application will be rejected.
A trademark shows that a company is unique. To see if your Thai trademark is different, check the Department of Intellectual Property website (www.ipthailand.go.th). You only need to pay a fee of 100 THB, not including bank charges. This fee lets you access the trademark gazette and the database of registered trademarks and those waiting for registration. Once you are sure your trademark must be unique, the full application process for registration of a trademark can be started:
1. Application Form Kor. 01 – download and print this from the Department of Intellectual Property website. Please attach the required documents, including the trademark design and company profile, to the form. Submit this to the trademark registrar and pay the application fee of 500 THB for each item.
The official from the DIP will review the registration application, documents, and fees. They will make sure everything is correct and complete. Once the official is satisfied with all the documents submitted, they will issue a Registration Request Number.
3. The official will provide a receipt that coincides to the registration request number. The applicant must keep this receipt until the trademark registrar has made the decision to register the trademark. This is a lengthy process; the earliest time-frame for registration approval is 1 year, and at the most 2 years. It is very important; DO NOT LOSE THE RECEIPT.
Trademark Protection
In Thailand, a registered trademark is protected for 10 years from the date of filing, and this registration in Thailand can be renewed every 10 years. The renewal application must be submitted 90 days before the expiration date of the previous registration. Any trademark which has been previously registered will easily be renewed. However, failure to reapply will result in the forfeiture of the trademark, which can lead to infringement issues. One last note about trademarks in Thailand is that a trademark registered there is protected ONLY in Thailand, as per the rules of the trademark registrar.
FAQs about Trademark in Thailand
What is the process for thailand trademark registration?
The Thai trademark registration process involves filing a trademark application in thailand with the Department of Intellectual Property. The application must also be completed in thai language and include a power of attorney if filed by an agent.
What documents are required for a thailand trademark application?
Required documents include a copy of the trademark, a list of goods or services classified under thailand trademark classes, the applicant’s details, and a power of attorney. The application must also be completed in thai language.
How does the nice classification system apply to thailand trademark classes?
Thailand follows the Nice Classification system for categorizing goods and services. An applicant in thailand must ensure their trademark application covers the correct classes and goods made from these materials.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Thailand?
Yes, a foreign company can register a trademark in Thailand. However, the application process must also be completed in thai, and a local agent or thai company is typically required for filing.
What should a trademark owner do if their trademark is similar to a trademark already been registered?
If a trademark is similar to a trademark that has already been registered, the owner may face objections. They must respond to any objection within the specified period, demonstrating how their mark is distinct.
What happens after the publication of a trademark application in the trademark gazette?
After publication in the trademark gazette, there is a period where third parties can oppose the registration of the trademark. If no objections are filed, the registrar may proceed with the registration of the trademark.
What constitutes trademark infringement in Thailand?
Trademark infringement in Thailand occurs when a mark is used without the authorization of the trademark owner in a manner that is likely to confuse or deceive consumers. Legal services may be required to address such issues.
Is it necessary for a trademark applicant to have an address in Thailand?
Yes, a trademark applicant must file with an address in thailand. This ensures they can be contacted for any legal correspondence regarding their trademark application.
Can computer program names be trademarked in Thailand?
Yes, names of computer programs can be trademarked in Thailand, provided they meet the criteria for trademark registration. They must be distinct and not included in other classes that are already trademarked.