Why Register a Trademark in Thailand?
A registered trademark gives you exclusive legal rights to use your mark in connection with specific goods or services in Thailand. Without registration, your brand has very limited legal protection — and Thailand's first-to-file system means whoever registers first owns the rights.
Registration unlocks the right to sue for infringement, license your brand, record with Thai Customs, and use the ® symbol. It's the foundation of every modern brand strategy.
Thailand's First-to-File System
Unlike the United States, Thailand follows a strict first-to-file system. The first person to file an application with the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is presumed to be the rightful owner — even if you've been using the brand name for years.
This means: if you delay filing, a competitor (or even a bad-faith squatter) can register your name first and legally block you from using it. We've seen it happen to foreign brands that assumed prior use was enough.
Don't wait. Every day your mark is unregistered is a day someone else could claim it.
Who Can File?
Both individuals and companies, Thai or foreign, can file trademark applications in Thailand. Foreign applicants must appoint a Thai agent (us) through a power of attorney. We handle the entire process remotely — you don't need to be physically present in Thailand at any point.
What Can & Cannot Be Registered
Registrable marks
- Word marks (brand names, slogans)
- Logos and graphic devices
- Combination marks (words + logos)
- 3D shapes (limited)
- Color combinations (limited)
- Sound marks (limited)
Non-registrable marks
- Generic or purely descriptive terms
- Marks identical or confusingly similar to existing registrations
- Government symbols, flags, royal insignia
- Marks contrary to public order or morality
- Geographic indications without authorization
- Deceptive or misleading marks
The Registration Process Step-by-Step
- Free consultation — we discuss your brand and goals
- Trademark search — we check the DIP database for conflicts
- Application drafting — we prepare the filing with proper Nice classification
- Filing with DIP — submitted electronically; receipt issued
- Formal examination — DIP reviews application formalities
- Substantive examination — DIP examiner checks for conflicts and registrability
- Office actions (if any) — we respond to objections
- Publication — approved marks published for public review
- Opposition period — 60 days for third parties to oppose
- Registration — if no opposition, certificate issued
How Long Does It Take?
From filing to registration certificate: typically 12–18 months, assuming no office actions or oppositions. Office actions can add 3–6 months. Oppositions can add 6–12 months or more.
Filing happens fast — usually within 3–5 business days of receiving your brief from us. The long wait is the DIP examination queue.
How Much Does It Cost?
Total cost = our service fee + DIP government fees (per class). Government fees are set by Thai law and paid directly to the DIP. We disclose all costs in writing before you commit.
See our pricing page for package details, or request a free quote.
Nice Classification
Trademarks are registered for specific classes of goods or services under the Nice Classification system (45 classes total). Choosing the right classes is critical — too few and you leave gaps; too many and you waste fees.
For example, a coffee shop might file in Class 30 (coffee & tea) and Class 43 (food & beverage services). Apparel might file in Class 25 (clothing) plus Class 35 (retail services).
What if DIP Refuses?
The DIP examiner may issue an office action raising objections — descriptiveness, similarity to a prior mark, classification issues, etc. You have a window to respond with arguments and amendments.
Our Standard and Premium packages include office-action responses. We have a high success rate rescuing applications that initially face refusal.
Opposition Period
Once your mark is approved, it's published in the official trademark gazette. Third parties have 60 days to file an opposition (vs 30 days in the US). If no one opposes, registration proceeds.
If someone does oppose, we'll defend your application through written submissions and, if necessary, hearings.
Duration & Renewal
Thai trademarks are valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed every 10 years indefinitely. We track renewal deadlines for our clients and send reminders well in advance.
International Protection (Madrid Protocol)
Thailand is a member of the Madrid Protocol. From your Thai registration, you can extend protection to over 130 member countries through a single international application. We handle Madrid Protocol filings as part of our Premium package.
Enforcing Your Rights
As a registered owner, you have several enforcement options:
- Cease-and-desist letters — fastest, lowest cost
- Civil litigation — damages, injunctions
- Criminal complaints — against counterfeiters
- Customs recordal — Thai Customs intercepts counterfeit imports
- Online takedowns — Lazada, Shopee, Facebook