In association with Lex Mundi, Practical Law Company has now published the latest edition in its series of guides on how to do business in jurisdictions worldwide. The Thailand chapter, written by attorneys at Tilleke & Gibbins, provides an overview of the legal system and key laws for foreign companies doing business in the Kingdom. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the chapter examines the rules governing foreign investment, business vehicles, employment, tax, competition, intellectual property, marketing agreements, e-commerce, data protection, and product liability.

The Report: Thailand 2012, published by Oxford Business Group, provides an in-depth analysis of different sectors of the Thai economy. Tilleke & Gibbins contributed the legal section of the publication, which examines how Thailand’s legal landscape fosters growth and foreign investment.

With the 10 nations of ASEAN committing to full implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015, Thailand will likely see an increase in inbound technology transfer to the country, both by fellow AEC member state companies as well as by foreign companies. Since Thailand joined the Patent Cooperation Treaty in 2009, there has been a significant increase in the number of patent applications filed with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP).

With intellectual property playing an ever-increasing role in economic development, the need to harness, promote, and protect ASEAN innovation has become more urgent as integration progresses. Among its objectives, the AEC aims to transform the region into a hub of innovation and competitiveness and ensure that the region remains an active participant in the international IP community. With ASEAN member states gearing up toward increased IP generation and with further commitments to global IP regimes, the region may soon look to sophisticated IP ownership and holding structures.