The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), operating under Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce, is the country’s central authority for administering and promoting intellectual property (IP) rights. Based in Nonthaburi, DIP ensures legal recognition, enforcement, and commercial utilization of IP assets, contributing directly to national innovation, creative economy development, and global competitiveness.
Mandate and Key Functions
The DIP is mandated to implement national policy on IP protection and enforcement across all domains, including:
- Trademark Registration: Processes applications for product, service, and certification marks.
- Patent and Utility Model Registration: Covers inventions and innovations across industrial sectors.
- Copyright Protection: Facilitates registration and public awareness around creative rights.
- Geographical Indications (GIs): Registers and promotes GIs to support rural economies and traditional products.
- Trade Secret Protection: Provides legal avenues for safeguarding undisclosed business information.
- Industrial Design Registration: Offers protection for visual design of objects.
- Enforcement and Legal Aid: Operates dedicated enforcement task forces in cooperation with Customs, Police, and the Judiciary.
- IP Promotion and Education: Conducts nationwide IP literacy campaigns and training programs.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
Under the leadership of Ms. Nusara Kanjanakul, Director-General, DIP has intensified efforts in digitization, international harmonization, and public-private collaboration to elevate Thailand's IP ecosystem to international standards.
Unique Value Proposition
- Digital IP Services: Over 90% of IP applications are now processed through the e-filing platform.
- Accelerated Examination Programs: DIP offers fast-track patent and trademark registration with lead times reduced by up to 60%.
- Support for Thai Creators: Through the Creative Thailand initiative, DIP provides grants, legal aid, and promotion to over 5,000 Thai designers, authors, and inventors annually.
Operational Metrics and National Impact
- Trademark Applications: Over 80,000 applications filed in 2023, with an annual growth rate of 6.4%.
- Patent Filings: Registered more than 13,500 patent and utility model applications in 2023.
- Copyright Registrations: Surpassed 12,000 filings in visual arts, literature, film, and software domains.
- GIs Registered: Total of 134 Thai and international geographical indications recognized by DIP as of 2024.
- IP Enforcement: Over 2,800 IP infringement cases handled in cooperation with enforcement bodies during 2023–2024.
International Engagement and Compliance
- Thailand is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and complies with the TRIPS Agreement (WTO).
- DIP implements international treaties including:
- Madrid Protocol (trademark)
- Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
- Berne Convention (copyright)
- Actively participates in ASEAN Working Groups on IP Cooperation (AWGIPC) and bilateral dialogues with EUIPO, USPTO, and JPO.
Public Outreach and Education
- Through YouTube and Facebook, DIP provides tutorials, webinars, and updates with combined video views exceeding 3 million annually.
- Over 50 public seminars and training sessions held in 2023 across 20 provinces.
- Operates “IP for Startups” and “GI Product Champion” programs to engage youth and rural entrepreneurs.
Stakeholders and Beneficiaries
- Thai entrepreneurs, SMEs, inventors, and creators
- Multinational companies registering IP in Thailand
- Academic and R&D institutions
- Legal professionals and IP attorneys
- Government agencies and enforcement units
Awards and Recognitions
- Recipient of the WIPO IP Office Best Practices Award for Digital Transformation (2022).
- Recognized by the ASEAN Secretariat for leadership in IP Enforcement Coordination.
- Lauded by the Thai Creative Economy Agency for contributions to cultural product protection and commercialization.
Digital Tools and Innovations
- e-Filing and e-Search System: Reduced average processing times by 35% for trademarks and 45% for patents.
- IP Data Center: Thailand's central repository of IP filings, licensing, and market statistics, updated in real-time.
- IP Enforcement Management Portal: Centralized tracking and analytics for ongoing IP litigation and seizure actions.
Conclusion
The Department of Intellectual Property is at the forefront of Thailand’s innovation-led economic development, enabling secure and strategic utilization of intellectual assets. With its comprehensive policy frameworks, advanced digital systems, and stakeholder-centric approach, DIP empowers Thailand's creators, entrepreneurs, and investors to transform ideas into protected, marketable value.
