Thailand finally joins the Madrid Protocol on IP

BANGKOK - After several years of preparation for accession to the international brand protection system, Thailand this week has finally joined membership of the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks with the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

In a Client Alert, lawyers Baker McKenzie say the Madrid Protocol will become effective in Thailand on  November 7, 2017.

During this three-month window, the Department of Intellectual Property will present a draft Ministerial Regulation regarding international registration through the Madrid System to the Minister of Commerce for signature.

In the meantime, there will be a Royal Decree specifying the effective date of the part of the Trademark Act (No. 3) concerning the Madrid System. At this time, it is expected that the Trademark Act and the Ministerial Regulation will both become effective on November 7 as well.

Under the Madrid Protocol, brand owners in Thailand will be able to seek registration for their marks in 114 territories of the other 98 member countries through a single application filed with the Department of Intellectual Property and payment of a single set of official fees. www.bakermckenzie.com (ATI).