Ploynapa Julagasigorn

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Senior Associate

Biography

Ploynapa Julagasigorn is an accomplished and versatile senior associate in Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property group. Her practice encompasses a wide range of domestic and cross-border intellectual property matters as a strategic advisor, an enforcer of intellectual property rights in Thailand, and a litigator in intellectual property prosecution and infringement disputes. With her broad expertise and experience working across all aspects of intellectual property law in Thailand, Ploynapa provides practical and actionable legal opinions on intellectual property matters and legal compliance issues, and executes complex legal research projects for international and transnational trade promotion organizations such as the Japan External Trade Organization, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, and others.

When companies discover or suspect infringement of their intellectual property in the Thailand market, Ploynapa conducts infringement analysis, drafts cease-and-desist letters and negotiates settlements with infringers, and coordinates with government authorities to enforce her clients’ rights. When negotiated solutions are not forthcoming, Ploynapa is a formidable litigator in Thailand’s Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, where she has a strong track record of securing favorable judgments for her clients.

The depth of her knowledge and experience representing clients in the Thai market makes Ploynapa a sought-after speaker in industry seminars and conferences, training initiatives for government authorities, and academic lectures at universities in Thailand. Ploynapa has served as secretary of the Licensing Executives Society of Thailand since September 2021.

Experience

Helped to secure several out-of-court settlements for international clients against companies and people that were infringing our client’s IP rights. To achieve these strong outcomes, our team derived proof of infringement by investigating local marketplaces, acquiring infringing products, and providing extensive infringement analyses on the acquired products. The settlements we have reached on behalf of clients include immediate cessations of infringement, monetary damages, publication of apology notices and binding commitments to avoid future infringement.
Advised one of the largest integrated petrochemical companies in Asia on IP infringement and enforcement guidelines in Thailand. Among other things, our team assisted in creating tailor-made guidelines for the client and conducting staff training sessions in line with the client’s business model, interests, and ongoing projects.
Acted for a world-leading multinational imaging and optical products corporation in successful litigation against online infringers. The team employed a trailblazing strategy using Thailand’s Computer Crimes Act to successfully help enforce the client’s IP rights against multiple infringers that were selling counterfeit products online. Notably, this strategy had never been used to fight online infringement in Thailand before, representing a landmark case in the jurisdiction.
Conducted product identification seminars for government officers in Thailand and Laos, on behalf of a Japanese multinational electronics corporation, in order to raise awareness about the widespread impact of counterfeit goods, and reinforce the abilities of concerned officials to suppress the spread of infringing products.
Assisted a Thai food processing conglomerate to protect its renowned packaging design. Our representation of the client led to a court decision granting a landmark THB 20 million (approx. USD 670,000) compensation award for copyright infringement and trade dress protection.
Acted for a multinational electronic company to trace the origin of counterfeit batteries that were being sold through online channels and were ultimately able to identify the source of the supply chain. After identifying the source, we assisting the client in coordinating a successful raid action against the infringer, which resulted in the seizure of over 30,000 counterfeit products. This successful raid action prevented the distribution of fake goods to end users in the Thai market and served as a deterrent to other potential infringers.
Helped to successfully protect the IP rights of a world renowned coffee company against infringers that were using online marketplaces, social media platforms, and private websites to sell counterfeit products bearing our client’s valuable trademarks. We conducted a comprehensive online sweep project for the client which helped toidentify suspected infringers, classify them into different groups, and provide strategies to tackle the suspected infringers in each group. This project led to a significant decrease in the sale of counterfeit product bearing our client’s trademark by both online retailers and wholesalers.
Assisted a well-known energy drink company in negotiating with a business competitor based in Europe that had a confusingly similar brand logo. Despite several legal actions that were initiated by the opposing party, our negotiations on behalf of the client resulted in an amicable settlement of the worldwide dispute.
Helped to prepare a comprehensive report on IP enforcement in Thailand and co-authored an online enforcement action report in ASEAN for a Japanese government-related organization that promotes mutually beneficial trade and investment. These reports are provided as guides for Japanese businesses who are interested in protecting their IP rights in ASEAN.
Conducted an infringement analysis for a Japanese multinational corporation manufacturing automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment regarding design patent infringement committed by an unauthorized distributor.
Advised and assisted the world’s largest international coffeehouse chain to protect its trademark against unauthorized use on the Internet.
Carried out research on counterfeit products in Thailand for a Japanese government organization involved in the promotion of business and investment.

ABOUT Ploynapa

Languages

Thai

English

Korean

Education

LLM, Chulalongkorn University

LLB, Thammasat University

Insights

October 14, 2021

Lex Mundi Guide to Doing Business in Thailand 2021

As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2021. This guide outlines all of the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: Investment incentives Financial facilities Exchange controls Import and export regulations Structures for doing business Requirements for the Establishment of a Business Operation of the Business Cessation or Termination of the Business Labor legislation, relations, and supply Tax Immigration requirements This publication is part of Lex Mundi’s Guides to Doing Business series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource when planning an international business strategy or researching a new market.

October 11, 2021

Tilleke & Gibbins to Deliver Webinar on Trademarks for Textile Manufacturers

On Thursday, October 21, 2021, two attorneys from the intellectual property department in Tilleke & Gibbins’ Bangkok office will present a Thai-language webinar on the importance of trademarks for garment manufacturers. Ploynapa Julagasigorn, senior associate, and Waralee Sripawadkul, associate, will team up to address trademark registration in Thailand and abroad. In the first part of the webinar, Ploynapa will cover trademark registration in Thailand, focusing especially on the importance of trademark registration, legal rights, distinctive qualities of successful trademarks, procedures, registration duration, and enforcement. She will also outline procedures in civil trials, criminal trials, and alternative dispute resolution. Waralee will then present on trademark registration in other countries. She will explain the importance of a trademark validation outside of Thailand, discuss application requirements, advise on how to properly prepare an application, and share practical advice on issues that brand owners should be aware of. This webinar, which is organized in conjunction with the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association (TGMA), will provide brand owners with a clear understanding of how to acquire trademark protection in order to fully protect their intellectual property in Thailand and internationally. Attendance is free for TGMA members and THB 700 for nonmembers. To attend, please complete the webinar registration form.

September 15, 2021

Michelle Ray-Jones and Ploynapa Julagasigorn Elected to LES Thailand Board

Michelle Ray-Jones, consultant, and Ploynapa Julagasigorn, associate, have been elected to the board of the Licensing and Executives Society (LES) Thailand, as announced at the LES Thailand annual conference on September 9–10, 2021. Michelle is the new president for the coming term, while Ploynapa is the society’s secretary. As board members, Michelle and Ploynapa are responsible for guiding LES policies and activities as it seeks to promote knowledge sharing and education on licensing, advocate for licensing issues to governmental and international bodies, and encourage standards and best practices among licensing executives. Their assumption of these leadership roles is also an indication of the growing diversity and gender parity in the licensing industry, which has often been male dominated in the past. Tilleke & Gibbins was one of the five founding members of LES Thailand when it was established in 2013. Since then the organization has expanded to offer seminars, events, and conferences throughout the year to help licensing professionals stay up to date on important current concerns and trends in licensing activities. For more information on LES Thailand’s Annual Conference 2021, please visit the LES Thailand website.

July 29, 2021

Video: Compliance Catalysts – PDPA Subordinate Regulations

Tilleke & Gibbins’ data protection team produced a video series called “Compliance Catalysts – PDPA Subordinate Regulations,” in order to provide easily accessible, bite-sized information on the key elements of the PDPA, the practical impact of the proposed regulations, and the requirements for business operators. View each episode here.

Awards & Rankings

September 17, 2021

Tilleke & Gibbins Offices All Highly Ranked in Asialaw Profiles 2022

The 2022 edition of Asialaw Profiles was officially released on September 17, 2021, and Tilleke & Gibbins received some of its best regional rankings yet in this detailed and comprehensive guide to the services of leading Asian law firms. Asialaw Profiles 2022 rates top domestic and international firms operating in Asian jurisdictions and headquartered in Asia, looking at firms’ performance and client service in both legal practices areas and various industries. Tilleke & Gibbins achieved rankings in 42 out of 45 possible industries and practice areas across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, plus a further three for the firm’s intellectual property boutique in Indonesia. Among these, Asialaw placed Tilleke & Gibbins in the highest possible tier in 20 categories. In Thailand, Tilleke & Gibbins continues to be the only firm ranked in all 18 possible categories. This includes improved rankings for Real Estate, Infrastructure, Aviation, and Labor and Employment—the last two of which feature Tilleke & Gibbins as the sole firm in the top tier. The firm is also ranked in all available categories in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. For more details and to browse the full rankings, please visit the Asialaw website.

September 17, 2021

Tilleke & Gibbins Wins Thailand Firm of the Year from Asia Women in Business Law Awards

The 2021 edition of the prestigious Asia Women in Business Law Awards was announced on September 15, with Tilleke & Gibbins winning the prize for Thailand Firm of the Year. Each year, Euromoney hosts the Asia Women in Business Law Awards to recognize firms that are strongly committed to gender issues and women’s advancement in the law. The awards are a celebration of women in the legal profession throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and shine a spotlight on top individual lawyers as well as firms whose success is driven by women. The awards further recognize gender diversity initiatives, innovation, mentoring, work-life balance, pro bono work, and talent management. With its record of providing an equitable environment that supports and rewards high performers regardless of gender or other status, Tilleke & Gibbins is a regular contender in the awards, which it last won in 2019 when it was named Vietnam Firm of the Year. To browse the complete list of winners of the Asia Women in Business Law Awards 2021, please visit the awards website.

August 27, 2021

Tilleke & Gibbins Repeats Record Showing in IFLR1000 2022 Rankings

International Financial Law Review (IFLR) has released the final installment of the 2022 edition of its annual IFLR1000 rankings of leading law firms in domestic and cross-border financial and transactional matters across the globe. Matching last year’s record results, Tilleke & Gibbins’ regional corporate and commercial team was awarded 15 distinct practice rankings across Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Tilleke & Gibbins was ranked in the following practice areas: Thailand—Banking and Finance, Capital Markets: Debt, Capital Markets: Equity, Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Development, Restructuring and Insolvency Vietnam—Banking and Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Development Myanmar—Financial and Corporate and Project Development Cambodia—Financial and Corporate, Project Development Laos—Financial and Corporate, Project Development In addition to the firmwide rankings, five of the firm’s attorneys were recognized with individual rankings for their expertise in financial or transactional matters in their respective jurisdictions. Charunun Sathitsuksomboon – Thailand – M&A Dino Santaniello – Laos – Corporate and M&A Saithong Rattana – Laos – Project Development, M&A Santhapat Periera – Laos – Banking, Energy, M&A Yuwadee Thean-ngarm – Myanmar – Banking and Finance, M&A The IFLR1000 ranks the world’s leading corporate and financial law firms, covering the core transactional practice areas of Banking and Finance, Capital Markets, Mergers and Acquisitions, Project Development, and Restructuring and Insolvency. Please visit the IFLR1000 website to review the full rankings for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

July 23, 2021

Record-High Number of Women in Business Law Awards Nominations for Tilleke & Gibbins in 2021

The nominations for the 2021 Asia Women in Business Law Awards have been released, and Tilleke & Gibbins has been nominated in a record four firm categories and eight individual categories. The Asia Women in Business Law Awards are organized by the publisher Euromoney to recognize firms that are strongly committed to gender issues and women’s advancement in the law. Tilleke & Gibbins has been nominated in the following categories: Firm and Jurisdiction Categories Talent Management – International Firm of the Year Indonesia Firm of the Year Thailand Firm of the Year Vietnam Firm of the Year Practice Area Categories Commercial Arbitration Lawyer of the Year – Noppramart Thammateeradaycho Copyright Lawyer of the Year – Yuwadee Thean-ngarm Insurance Lawyer of the Year – Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh Privacy and Data Protection Lawyer of the Year – Athistha (Nop) Chitranukroh Shipping and Maritime Lawyer of the Year – Noppramart Thammateeradaycho TMT Lawyer of the Year – Waewpen Piemwichai Trademark Lawyer of the Year – Linh Thi Mai Nguyen Rising Star Categories IP Rising Star of the Year – Sher Hann Chua This is the fifth consecutive year that these three Tilleke & Gibbins jurisdictions (Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam) have all been nominated for the Firm of the Year awards—an award that the firm won for Vietnam in 2019. The winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on September 15.

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