As part of Thailand’s efforts to join the Madrid Protocol by 2015, on March 1, 2013, the Thai Trademark Office announced the implementation of the 10th edition of the Nice Classification of Goods and Services for all new applications and renewals submitted after this date.

Secured transactions refer to transactions secured by collateral, which guarantees the fulfilment of an obligation to repay loans. Currently, Thailand recognises only a limited class of security that can be put up as collateral, effectively limiting the potential for greater credit availability in the economy. This article examines the types of security available under other jurisdictions as well as registration and common enforcement mechanisms with an eye towards potential use in Thailand.

James Evans, a senior consultant with the Tilleke & Gibbins intellectual property group and chair of the intellectual property committee of the European ASEAN Business Centre in Thailand (EABC), has authored a booklet that aims to deliver readers a concise and informative overview of intellectual property and trade-related issues in Thailand. James covers a broad spectrum of topics and illustrates with great accessibility the basic steps to commercialize intellectual property in Thailand. The guidebook is comprised of six chapters, each of which answers key questions in this area.

Darani Vachanavuttivong and Suebsiri Taweepon of Tilleke & Gibbins have contributed the Thailand chapter to the recently published book, International Copyright Law: A Practical Global Guide. The book reflects on the origins of copyright law and the path on which it is headed. With rapid advances in technology, copyright has expanded to become a semi-harmonized body of law with international reach. This directly influences how many types of business operate and how they use and protect rights around the world.

Recently, consumer interest in purchasing residential homes in Thailand has skyrocketed. In response to this, developers have launched numerous residential development projects catering to both domestic and foreign purchasers. Consumers now have the opportunity to contemplate purchasing homes of varying quality while also factoring in developer reputation and risk. When thinking about buying a home in a land development project, there are a few major issues buyers should consider both before and after making the purchase.

Patent law hinges on the disclosure of secrets. To be granted a patent, an inventor is required to publicly disclose his or her invention—often in great detail—in exchange for the exclusive rights to the patented invention for a limited period of time. In theory, this disclosure of secrets benefits society by fostering a wider sharing of knowledge and know-how, accelerating the overall pace of scientific and industrial development. The awarding of patents, meanwhile, provides a continued incentive to innovate.

Border measures are at the frontlines of IP enforcement efforts to stop the spread of counterfeit goods both domestically and internationally. By raising the awareness of Royal Thai Customs Department officials and educating them on how to verify genuine and counterfeit goods, brand owners can increase their effectiveness in taking aggressive actions against IP infringement.

In Thailand, the Plant Varieties Protection Act B.E. 2542 (1999) provides protection for plant varieties that possess novelty, stability, uniformity, and distinctiveness. Once protected, the rights holder of a new plant variety has the sole right to produce, sell, distribute, import, export, or possess the plant for any of these purposes.