On July 4, 2025, Thailand’s Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) issued two significant notifications that introduce new compliance requirements for ride-hailing platforms operating in the country. The notifications formally designate these platforms as high-impact digital services under section 18(3) of the Royal Decree on Digital Platform Service Businesses and impose a comprehensive set of additional operational obligations. These measures are designed to address regulatory gaps and enhance oversight of digital platforms providing public passenger vehicle or motorcycle ride-hailing services. First, the Notification on the Designation of Ride-Hailing Platforms under section 18(3) formally designates all ride-hailing platforms that have notified the ETDA of their operations as high-impact digital platform services under section 18(3) of the royal decree. Unlike high-risk marketplace platforms, which are named individually, any ride-hailing platform that has notified the ETDA of its operations is automatically subject to these new requirements. Next, the Notification on Additional Obligations for Ride-Hailing Platforms imposes further obligations on ride-hailing platforms, supplementing the general requirements under section 21 of the royal decree. These notifications will come into force 90 days from their publication in the Government Gazette. New Compliance Obligations The new regulatory framework introduces a range of operational, technical, and reporting requirements for ride-hailing platforms, particularly concerning the issues described below. Vehicle and Driver Compliance Operators must: Ensure that all vehicles used on the platform are registered as public vehicles in accordance with Department of Land Transport requirements Verify all drivers hold valid public driving licenses Collect service fees in compliance with applicable fare regulations under the Vehicle Law Digital Platform Features and User Verification Operators must implement robust digital platform features for both drivers and riders, including: Comprehensive identity verification and confirmation processes for drivers and riders, utilizing both face-to-face and non-face-to-face methods, including biometric and digital ID checks Real-time GPS tracking and display of vehicle location, estimated routes, travel times, and fares for both

Distinctiveness is a fundamental requirement for a trademark’s registration and protection under Thai law. The Thai courts typically assess distinctiveness based on a mark’s inherent characteristics rather than its use, as proving acquired distinctiveness through use requires substantial evidence, including the duration of use, extent of distribution and promotional efforts. However, the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court (IP & IT Court) has recently ruled that the figurative mark WEPLAY had acquired distinctiveness through use – an uncommon ruling under Thai trademark law. Subsequently, the Court of Appeal for Specialised Cases affirmed the mark’s inherent distinctiveness based on a holistic assessment of its components. This article discusses the criteria for proving both inherent and acquired distinctiveness, offering examples from both courts to provide valuable insights into case preparation and understanding of how the courts assess distinctiveness. Background In 2017 the plaintiff filed a trademark application for the mark depicted below for goods in Class 28, including toy building blocks: The registrar rejected the application on the grounds of non-distinctiveness under Section 7 of the Trademark Act. The plaintiff appealed to the Board of Trademarks, which considered that, when the term ‘weplay’ is used for goods in Class 28, it is descriptive of the nature of the goods applied for as “playthings”. Therefore, ‘weplay’ was deemed nondistinctive under Section 7, Paragraph 2(2) of the Trademark Act. IP & IT Court decision In 2024 the IP & IT Court ruled that the term ‘weplay’ is not a coined or invented word; instead, it is a combination of ‘we’ and ‘play’, conveying the meaning of ‘we play’. When the term is used for goods in Class 28, it describes the nature of the goods as “playthings”. Consequently, the mark was deemed non-distinctive. However, the court considered the evidence presented by the plaintiff, which showed that the latter had been selling

ベトナム政府は、貿易上の立場を強化し、米国との進行中の関税交渉におけるコミットメントを強化するための断固たる措置として、国内における知的財産権のエンフォースメント強化に全力で取り組んできた。その重要なきっかけとなったのは、首相が全省における模倣品の取締り強化のため、関係機関に対し、包括的なエンフォースメント措置を開始するよう要請する決定を下したことである。 Tilleke & Gibbinsは、これらの活動に積極的に関与し、ベトナムの市場管理局（Market Surveillance Authority）、税関、国境警察と緊密に連携しながら、計画策定、情報収集、そして現場でのエンフォースメントにおいて重要な役割を果たしてきた。 主要なオペレーションは、ハノイやホーチミン・シティを含む主要な商業拠点で実施された。ハノイでは、市場監視Team1と協力し、ハンザイ（Hang Giay）の大手卸売業者を検査した。検査の結果、大量の模倣品である香水が押収され、違法取引ネットワークにおける主要な供給業者が特定された。 ホーチミン・シティでは、サイゴン・スクエアを含む著名な市場における大規模な検査キャンペーンを支援した。情報収集を行い、当局は、模倣品であるブランド品の販売で悪名高い店舗や屋台を標的とした複数回の摘発を実施した。Tilleke & Gibbinsの専門家は、迅速かつ効果的な介入を確実に行うため、ロジスティクス支援とリアルタイム分析を行った。 ベトナムの都市部だけでなく、北部のおよび中部の重要な国境地帯にも活動が広げられた。Tilleke & Gibbinsは、主要な検問所で税関・国境警備隊と協力し、模倣品が含まれている疑いが高い貨物の検査を行った。これらの活動により、複数のコンテナに積まれた禁制品を押収した。 全国規模のキャンペーンには、保管・流通拠点として知られる複数の省における重点的な活動も含まれていた。バクザン省（Bac Giang）、ダナン省（Da Nang）、ハイフォン省（Hai Phong）、キエンザン省（Kien Giang）、ドンナイ省（Dong Nai）では、Tilleke & Gibbinsは、中規模から大規模の倉庫や流通センターへの組織的な摘発を支援した。これらの検査により、模倣品在庫が多数発見され、複数の施設の一時閉鎖と主要な犯人に対する法的措置につながった。 ベトナムが米国との関税交渉を続ける中、これらの注目を集めるエンフォースメント活動は明確なメッセージを発信している。すなわち、ベトナムは知的財産権の権利行使に真剣に取り組んでおり、長年の問題に対処するために具体的な行動を起こしている。Tilleke & Gibbinsのような民間パートナーの支援を受け、ベトナムは国際舞台において責任ある貿易パートナーとしての評判を高めている。   備考：本和文は英文記事を翻訳したものです。原文については、以下のリンクをご参照ください。 Vietnam Intensifies Crackdown on Counterfeits amid US Tariff Negotiations

タイ銀行（BOT: Bank of Thailand）は、金融セクターにおける人工知能（AI）リスク管理の原則を定めるガイドライン草案を公表した。このガイドライン草案は、AI技術の責任ある導入のための構造化された枠組みを提供している。金融サービス提供者は、このガイドラインを参考に、国際的に認められたベスト・プラクティスに沿ってリスクを適切に管理することができる。 BOTは2025年6月30日までガイドライン草案に対するパブリックコメントを募集している。 範囲および適用 本ガイドライン草案は、金融機関業法（Financial Institution Business Act）に基づく金融機関及び特別金融機関、並びに資金決済法（Payment Systems Act）に基づく決済事業者を含む全ての金融サービス提供者に適用される。本ガイドライン草案は、ITリスク管理、サードパーティリスク管理、データ・ガバナンス、市場行動規範を含む既存のBOTリスク管理ガイドラインを補完するものである。 ガイドライン草案では、AIシステムを、機械学習、ディープラーニング、生成AI（大規模言語モデルなど）、エージェンティックAIなど、人間の知能を模倣するシステムと定義している。この定義では、ロボティック・プロセス・オートメーション（RPA）等のルール・ベースの自動化システムは明確に除外されている。 主要なリスク管理原則 ガイドライン草案では、AI リスクを管理するための 2 つの主要な原則が示されている。 ガバナンス：金融サービス提供者は、FEAT (公平性（fairness）、倫理性（ethics）、説明責任（accountability）、透明性（transparency）) の原則を遵守するために、金融サービス提供者の職員と AI システム監督構造の明確な役割と責任を次のように定義し、確立する必要がある。 ステークホルダーの役割と責任　金融サービス提供者は、AIリスクの監視に関する取締役と経営陣の役割と責任を定義する必要がある。責任には、AIシステム利用ポリシーの策定、AIリスク管理責任者の任命、組織内におけるAI関連リスクに関する意識向上などが含まれる。 AIシステム利用ポリシー　AIシステム利用ポリシーは、組織の目標、規制要件、およびFEAT原則と整合させる必要がある。これらのポリシーは、技術の進歩とリスクプロファイルの変化に対応するために定期的に見直す必要がある。 AIライフサイクル全体にわたるリスク管理　リスク管理は、リスク許容度の確立から、継続的なリスク評価と特定の利用ケースに合わせた管理策の実施まで、AIライフサイクル全体を網羅する必要がある。AIシステムが戦略的な機能や顧客とのインタラクション（例：融資の承認、口座開設）に使用される場合、意思決定プロセスには人間による監視が組み込まれている必要がある。顧客とAIシステムのインタラクションにおいては、顧客に通知を行い、AI機能を無効化またはバイパスするオプションを提供する必要がある。 開発およびセキュリティ管理：金融サービス提供者は、次のように AI の開発と展開のライフサイクルをカバーするリスク管理を行う必要がある。 データリスク　金融サービス提供者は、AIモデルの学習に使用するデータの品質、正確性、最新性、量、多様性を評価し、確保するための対策を講じる必要がある。また、データ漏洩防止対策も実施する必要がある。 モデル開発リスク　金融サービス提供者は、(1)導入前後の継続的なテストとモニタリングを通じてモデルの精度と信頼性を評価するための明確な評価指標、および、(2)AIの結果の説明可能性を確保するための手段を備える必要がある。生成AIアプリケーションについては、AIハルネーションリスク（AI hallucination risks）を低減するための具体的な対策が必要である。 サイバーセキュリティリスク　金融サービス提供者は、OWASP機械学習セキュリティトップ10などの確立された標準に基づいて、AIシステムを標的とした新たなサイバー脅威を防止および検出するための対策を講じる必要がある。 タイのフィンテック、テクノロジー、サイバーセキュリティに関する詳細については、 Athistha Chitranukroh（[email protected]）、Nopparat Lalitkomon（[email protected]）、Pornpan Wichawut（[email protected]）、 Napassorn Lertussavavivat（[email protected]）、またはRujaporn Paritsantik（[email protected]）までお問い合わせください。   備考：本和文は英文記事を翻訳したものです。原文については、以下のリンクをご参照ください。 Thailand Drafts AI Risk Management Guidelines for Financial Service Providers

Vietnam’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by a strong wave of new legislation, strategic plans, and government incentives. The government’s clear commitment to electrification is attracting foreign investment, supporting advanced production, and reducing reliance on internal combustion engine (ICE) imports. Recent national strategies, sector regulations, and technical standards demonstrate a rare level of regulatory momentum in Southeast Asia, positioning Vietnam as a competitive player in the global EV supply chain and an attractive market for foreign investors. An overview of legal developments for the EV sector in Vietnam is presented below. National Action Program for Green Transportation A key driver of Vietnam’s EV growth has been the National Action Program for Green Transportation through 2050 stipulated in Decision No. 876/QD-TTg of the prime minister dated July 22, 2022. The National Action Program sets a detailed roadmap for the green energy transition in road transport. For the period 2022–2030, the focus is on promoting the manufacturing, assembly, import, and conversion of road motor vehicles to electric power, expanding the use of 100% E5 gasoline for road vehicles, developing charging infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and businesses, and encouraging both new and existing bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria. For the period 2031–2050, the roadmap aims to gradually restrict and ultimately cease by 2040 the manufacturing, assembly, and import of fossil fuel-powered cars, motorcycles, and mopeds for domestic use. By 2050, the goal is for 100% of road motor vehicles and construction vehicles participating in traffic to use electricity or green energy, for all bus stations and rest stops to meet green criteria, and for all machinery and equipment for loading and unloading to transition from fossil fuels to electricity or green energy. The program also calls for the completion of nationwide charging and green energy supply infrastructure

On July 9, 2025, Thailand issued a notification that introduces comprehensive operational requirements for digital platform service providers operating as goods marketplaces, effective December 31, 2025 (i.e., 180 days after its publication in the Government Gazette). The regulation’s official name is Notification of the Electronic Transactions Committee Re: Other Actions for Digital Platform Service Operators in the Category of Marketplace for Goods with Specific Characteristics under Section 18(2) of the Royal Decree on the Operation of Digital Platform Service Businesses that are Subject to Prior Notification B.E. 2565 (2022), B.E. 2568 (2025). Scope of Application The notification applies exclusively to goods marketplace operators formally designated by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), which on the same day designated 19 platforms that had previously notified the ETDA of their operations. The goods requiring enhanced oversight by these operators are limited to those regulated by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI). Development from Earlier Draft An earlier draft of the notification had included a requirement for offshore platforms to establish a local entity, but this requirement was removed from the final notification. Key Obligations Despite the removal of the local entity requirement, the notification imposes a range of additional obligations on designated goods marketplace operators: Transparency. Operators must implement robust transparency measures, including clear, accessible, and understandable disclosures to users in Thai. These disclosures must cover all relevant terms and conditions, comprehensive product information, and complaint management procedures. Operators must also submit an annual compliance report to the ETDA within 60 days after the end of their accounting period, including statistics on regulated goods. Business user registration and identity verification. Before permitting the sale or advertisement of regulated goods, operators must collect and verify business user information, including contact details, identification documents, registration numbers, bank account details, and self-certification of legal compliance.

On June 27, 2025, the National Assembly of Vietnam officially passed the amended Law on Atomic Energy, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. This legislative milestone follows the release of the fourth draft in June 2025, which was circulated for public consultation and builds upon earlier drafts from February, April, and early June. (See our previous article on the draft version here), Many provisions have been retained or refined to ensure greater specificity and alignment with Vietnam’s current legal framework. Once in force, the amended law will replace the 2008 Law on Atomic Energy (No. 18/2008/QH12), marking a significant step forward in modernizing Vietnam’s legal infrastructure for nuclear energy. The new law aims to harmonize with international standards, promote the safe and sustainable development of nuclear power, and facilitate future nuclear projects in the country. Noteworthy Updates in the Final Legislation Definition of National Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (NRNSA): The law introduces a clear definition of the NRNSA, outlining its roles and responsibilities in line with IAEA standards. Currently, this function is performed by the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Digital Transformation Requirements: New provisions mandate the development of an integrated digital platform for data management, administrative procedures, and safety oversight, enhancing transparency and security. Policy Support for Training and Privatization: The law sets out principles for workforce incentives and sector privatization, with detailed regulations to be issued by the government. Dedicated Safety and Security Mechanism: A new section outlines inspection, supervision, violation handling, and enforcement procedures in the field of atomic energy, particularly for nuclear power plants. The NRNSA is empowered to conduct unscheduled inspections, suspend operations, and recommend license revocation when safety risks are identified. Key Provisions Retained or Clarified from the Draft Licensing and Approval for Nuclear Facilities: The licensing process

On July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health issued Circular No. 30/2025/TT-BYT providing updated guidance on the application of drug quality standards, testing of drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients, and procedures for the recall and handling of noncompliant drugs (Circular 30). Circular 30 officially came into effect on the same day and replaces Circular No. 11/2018/TT-BYT and its amendments. Key highlights of Circular 30 are presented below. Drug and Pharmaceutical Ingredient Quality Standards Circular 30 maintains consistency with previous regulations regarding the selection of an applicable quality specification. Pharmaceutical businesses and drug preparation establishments may still choose to apply standards from the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia, reference pharmacopoeias (including the United States Pharmacopoeia, the European Pharmacopoeia, the British Pharmacopoeia, the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, and the International Pharmacopoeia), or an in-house specification. Priority is given to the Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia and reference pharmacopoeias, encompassing quality indicators, quality levels, and testing methods. If alternative pharmacopoeias or in-house specifications are used, they must meet the requirements outlined in the corresponding monographs of the Vietnamese or reference pharmacopoeias. At the time of registration, the quality standards of drugs and pharmaceutical ingredients must comply with either the current version of the pharmacopoeia or a previous version of the pharmacopoeia that is no more than two years older than the current version. The requirement for updating quality specifications in line with the quality under the corresponding pharmacopoeia also applies to products that have already been granted marketing authorization. Testing Drugs and Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Quality Management Similar to the regulations under the previous circular, if pharmaceutical businesses disagree with the sample testing results, they may, within five working days of receiving the test report, request that the state quality inspection authority designate an alternative testing facility. The testing period for establishments listed as foreign drug manufacturers with quality violations remains largely unchanged. However, Circular 30 reduces the mandatory testing