The reach of U.S. Unfair Competition Acts (UCA), which have now been passed in more than 36 states, has expanded to affect many Thai businesses, according to an article appearing in today’s edition of the Bangkok Post. The article, “Thai Shippers Warned of Illegal Software Penalties,” detailed the impact and significance of this legislation. It also looked ahead to the possibility that this type of legislation may soon spread to other jurisdictions, including Canada, Australia, and the European Union.

The article featured analysis from Wiramrudee Mokkhavesa, attorney-at-law in the Tilleke & Gibbins intellectual property department, who explained that “the cost of complying is cheaper than the cost of not complying” and the widened scope of the Act will impact “the entire supply chain” for manufacturers and exporters. She further described the liability that each intermediary may incur as a result of the UCA, and how this can be prevented.