July 19, 2016
Thailand’s Amended Trademark Act and Preparations to Join the Madrid System
Thailand’s Amended Trademark Act and Preparations to Join the Madrid System

Thailand has recently amended its Trademark Act and these changes will take effect on 28 July 2016. From 28 July 2016, changes will include allowing sounds to be registered as trade marks, allowing  multi-class applications, allowing partial assignments for some or all registered goods and services and the time periods in oppositions and responses to office actions will be reduced from 90 days to 60 days. The assessment of “distinctiveness” will also change, especially in relation to shape or 3D trade marks. A summary of the key changes can be found here.

In addition to these amendments, there is a new chapter in Thailand’s Trademark Act which prepares Thailand’s accession to the Madrid Protocol. This will no doubt be welcome news for businesses with a keen interest in Thailand and South-East Asia, especially following Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s accession to the Madrid Protocol. For any brand owners interested in securing multi-national trade mark protection, the Madrid System is a very attractive option when devising a filing program.

Stobbs can assist with all aspects of strategic and cost effective advice relating to international filings, global brand expansion plans and enforcement. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

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Trademarks

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