Recent Progress Toward Thailand’s Accession to The Hague Agreement

According to the commitment of Thailand to the ASEAN Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan 2016-2025 (“IPR Action Plan”), one of the IPR Action Plan’s goals is the accession of ASEAN member states to the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs 1925 (the “Hague Agreement”).

Recently, on 29 November 2022, Parliament approved Thailand’s accession to the Hague Agreement.  Joining the Hague Agreement system will allow Thai designers to obtain protection of their industrial designs in multiple countries or regions using a single international application with minimal formalities, which will increase the competitiveness of Thai designers in the global market. Foreign designers will also enjoy the benefit of obtaining design patent protection in Thailand more conveniently.

As a side note, the draft necessary amendment of the Thai Patent Act regarding industrial design protection, to comply with the Hague Agreement, is under review by the Office of the Council of State.

We will follow up and provide updates as the situation progresses. Should you need any additional information, please contact us.

Authors: (1) Radeemada Mungkarndee, Ph.D., LL.B. and (2) Tienkul Kangwanwong