Registering a brand or trademark in Thailand is more than a formality; it’s your protection in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) awards exclusive rights to the first filer, making timing and preparation crucial.

Register brand trademark Thailand documents timelines local foreign applicants

In 2023, over 70,000 new trademarks were filed, with many delayed due to common errors or incomplete documentation.

If you are launching a product, expanding operations, or planning international growth, understanding Thailand’s unique first-to-file trademark system is essential to prevent lost opportunities.

Key Takeaways

  • Thailand uses a strict “first-to-file” system: Earlier, complete applications receive trademark rights, making prompt filing and accurate documentation critical for protection.
  • Foreign applicants must appoint a Thai agent: All documents, including the Power of Attorney and corporate affidavits, must be submitted in Thai and properly notarized if signed overseas.
  • Each trademark application covers one class: Separate filings are required for each class of goods or services, with the Kor.01 form and supporting documents as the core submission.
  • A DIP trademark search is highly recommended: Using the DIP Online Trademark Search Tool helps identify similar marks, reducing the risk of costly rejections or legal opposition.
  • The full registration process spans 16-20 months: Expect stages including document review, substantive examination, publication, and a 90-day opposition period before receiving a 10-year certificate.
  • Common rejection reasons include lack of distinctiveness, similarity to existing marks, and missing documents: Ensure your mark is unique and all forms are complete to avoid delays or refusals.
  • Appeals must be filed within 60 days of rejection or opposition: Prepare strong evidence like sales records and expert affidavits in Thai to demonstrate distinctiveness and defend your rights.
  • Typical costs range from THB 1,000-3,000 per class for application fees and THB 2,000-5,000 per class for 10-year renewals: Professional, translation, and notary fees are extra; missing a renewal deadline risks immediate loss of brand protection.

Trademark Registration Requirements in Thailand

Registering a trademark in Thailand requires meeting set eligibility and documentation standards. The system uses a strict “first-to-file” approach, so timing can directly determine who secures trademark rights.

Eligibility & Document Checklist

Applicants must meet these baseline conditions:

  • Be an individual, company, or legal entity
  • For foreign applicants: assign a Thai resident agent

Expect to provide:

  • Application form (Kor.01) in Thai
  • Trademark specimen (logo, name, or sound file)
  • Thai transliteration and meaning for non-Thai words
  • List of goods/services under Nice Classification
  • Power of Attorney (signed in Thailand or notarized abroad)
  • Company affidavit and authorized director’s valid ID or passport for corporate applicants

Each application covers only one class of goods or services.

Key Rules & Takeaways

  • All submissions and correspondence must be in Thai
  • Foreign applicants must appoint a Thai agent and provide notarized documents if signed overseas

A delayed application risks losing trademark protection to a competing filer, since Thailand’s “first-to-file” rule means earlier applicants get priority.

Step-by-Step Trademark Registration Process

Registering a brand or trademark in Thailand follows a clear, multi-stage path overseen by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). Each step includes specific requirements, expected timelines, and vital roles for both the applicant and any appointed agent.

Core Steps & Timelines

Follow these key phases for brand registration:

  • Preliminary search: Optional, but highly recommended to spot competing marks
  • Application filing: Submission of Kor.01 form and supporting documents in Thai (0-1 month)
  • DIP examination: Formal review (completeness) plus substantive examination (distinctiveness, legal criteria), typically 9-12 months
  • Publication: Passing marks published in Official Gazette, triggering a 90-day opposition period
  • Registration & certificate: If uncontested, pay final fees and receive a 10-year registration (total: 16-20 months uncontested)

Applicants or agents must ensure timely responses at each stage. DIP leads the review, publication, and decision process.

A DIP trademark search helps avoid costly rejections and legal risks by identifying similar existing marks early. Although not mandatory, omitting this step can lead to opposition or outright refusal.

To conduct a search:

  • Visit the DIP Online Trademark Search Tool
  • Enter your mark and compare results
  • Check goods/services using the Nice Classification
  • Watch for: prior registrations, prohibited terms, and visually or phonetically similar marks

A thorough search supports smarter brand protection.

DIP Examination, Publication & Registration

DIP’s examination covers:

  • Formality: Are all documents correctly completed and in Thai?
  • Substantive: Is the mark distinctive, non-generic, and free of prohibited content or similarity with earlier marks?

If approved, the mark is published for 90 days. If no opposition arises, applicants pay final fees for the official certificate. Registration lasts 10 years, and renewals are unlimited if filed on time.

This process protects your brand efficiently, provided every phase is handled thoroughly.

Thailand’s trademark system rewards prompt, careful applicants. Early searches, precise documentation, and close attention during DIP review maximize your registration success.

Common Reasons for Trademark Rejection

Trademark applications in Thailand are often rejected due to a few recurring issues that applicants can proactively address.

The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) most frequently cites the following reasons:

  • Lack of distinctiveness: The mark looks too generic, descriptive, or lacks a clear brand identity.
  • Similarity to existing marks: Applications are denied if the proposed trademark closely resembles a registered mark.
  • Use of prohibited elements: Marks containing national flags, official emblems, or offensive content are refused.
  • Incomplete or late documents: Missing translations, incomplete forms, or documents submitted after deadlines lead to automatic rejection.

Unique Risks & Criteria

Thailand’s “first-to-file” system means prior use holds little weight; early and complete filing is critical for protection.

DIP applies strict standards to “sound marks,” color-centric logos, and other non-traditional trademarks; clear samples and legal compliance are required.

  • Carefully review DIP’s guides for sound, color, and shape marks.
  • Use the DIP’s online trademark search to confirm originality before filing.

Prevention starts with precise documentation, a thorough name search, and understanding DIP’s common rejection triggers.

Appealing Rejections & Handling Opposition

If your trademark application is refused or faces opposition in Thailand, you have defined rights and clear appeal routes to protect your brand.

Start by reviewing the Department of Intellectual Property’s (DIP) written decision; you usually have 60 days to file an appeal or response.

Applicants can escalate matters through these recognized channels:

  • Appeal to the DIP Registrar for initial review
  • Challenge further at the Trademark Board within the Ministry of Commerce
  • File a case at the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court for final judicial review

Timeframes typically run 4 to 12 months per stage, depending on complexity.

Effective Documents & Evidence

To strengthen your appeal or opposition defense, prepare these impactful documents:

  • Evidence of use in commerce (sales records, advertising)
  • Prior trademark registrations in Thailand or abroad
  • Expert affidavits and detailed legal arguments in Thai

Successful appeals focus on clear proof of distinctiveness or evidence contradicting the DIP’s findings.

Fees, Costs and Renewal

Expect to budget for several types of trademark registration costs in Thailand, starting with official government fees and potential professional services.

The core filing fees typically include:

  • Application filing (about THB 1,000-THB 3,000 per class)
  • Publication in the Official Gazette (approx. THB 200 per class)
  • Registration certificate fee (THB 300 per class)
  • Renewal every 10 years (THB 2,000-THB 5,000 per class, depending on timing)

For foreign applicants, professional fees are common:

  • Legal agent/representation services can vary from THB 10,000-THB 30,000
  • Translation services average THB 500-THB 2,000 per document
  • Notary costs apply for Power of Attorney and affidavits, especially if signed overseas

Additional fees may apply if priority is claimed or for multi-class filings (though Thailand generally requires separate applications per class).

Budgeting for the Registration Lifecycle

Planning ahead reduces unexpected expenses and enables long-term trademark strategy.

Review this sample budget (per class, in Thai Baht):

  • Preliminary trademark search: THB 0-1,000 (optional, recommended)
  • Filing and publication: THB 1,200-3,200
  • Registration certificate: THB 300
  • Professional/translation/notary: THB 10,000-32,000 (if required)
  • 10-year renewal: THB 2,000-5,000

Key cost-saving tips:

  • Prepare all documents early to avoid translation rush fees
  • Bundle applications if filing for several related marks simultaneously
  • Set reminders for renewals to avoid late penalties

Proactive budgeting and early preparation keep your brand protected and prevent lost opportunities.

FAQ: Trademark Registration in Thailand

Navigating trademark registration in Thailand begins with understanding essential timelines and processes. Here are clear, actionable answers to the most common questions about how to register a brand or trademark in Thailand.

How long does trademark registration take?

Trademark registration in Thailand usually takes 16-20 months from filing to certification if uncontested.

Can I file multiple classes in one application?

Each application must cover only one class of goods or services. Multi-class filings are currently the exception, not the norm in Thailand.

Can foreign companies register via Madrid Protocol?

Thailand recognizes the Madrid Protocol, letting foreign companies file internationally, but all local DIP rules still apply.

What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?

Missing the renewal deadline means losing protection immediately. A grace period allows late renewal with additional fees before complete loss of rights.

Staying informed about registration timelines, local requirements, and renewal deadlines helps you secure continuous brand protection and avoid costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Securing your trademark in Thailand is more than a legal formality; it’s a vital investment in your brand’s future, reputation, and market strength.

Act decisively:

  • Prepare every document with care
  • Conduct a thorough trademark search
  • File promptly to protect your brand identity
  • Monitor deadlines for renewals and appeals
  • Seek qualified guidance to avoid avoidable setbacks

Contact us to move forward confidently. Themis Partner brings the expertise, clarity, and efficiency to make your brand registration seamless, safeguarding your rights from application to long-term renewal.