Asia Pacific

Thailand

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Thailand.

Authority

DIP

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Non-member

DIP Patent Search

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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Thailand
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
3
Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Thailand

Thai patents are administered by DIP (Department of Intellectual Property). Thailand uses a first-to-file system with absolute novelty requirements; invention patents are valid for 20 years from filing. Thailand also offers a "Petty Patent" (6-year term, no substantive examination, renewable to a max of 10 years). Thailand is a PCT member with a 30-month national phase deadline; a full Thai translation is required. **Thailand has not joined the Madrid Protocol** — trademarks must be filed directly with DIP.

Patent Types: Patent and Petty Patent ▾

**Patent:** - Term: 20 years from filing - Requires substantive examination - Long prosecution timeline (typically 5–8 years) **Petty Patent:** - Term: 6 years from filing; renewable twice in 2-year increments; maximum 10 years - No substantive examination; grants in ~6–12 months - Covers shapes/structures of tangible articles; methods not covered - Suitable for shorter-term protection for products sold primarily in Thailand

Source: Thailand Patent Act 1979 (as amended); DIP guidelines

PCT National Phase Entry — Thailand ▾

- Deadline: **30 months** from the priority date - A complete **Thai translation** (specification, claims, abstract) must be submitted - National phase entry fees apply - A Thailand-registered IP agent must be appointed

Source: WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — TH; Thailand Patent Act

Examination Backlog ▾

DIP's patent examination backlog has historically been significant. Invention patents typically take **5–8 years** from filing to grant. DIP has introduced reforms and accelerated examination programs in recent years, but the overall backlog has not been fully resolved. **Practical note:** Operating in the Thai market requires filing patents years before market entry. "Pending" status provides some deterrent during prosecution, but pre-grant enforcement is limited.

Source: DIP Thailand statistics; AIPPI Thailand country reports

Thailand Has Not Joined the Madrid System ▾

**As of this writing, Thailand has NOT joined the Madrid Protocol.** All Thai trademark applications must be filed directly with DIP (in Thai). When planning Asia Pacific trademark strategies, Thailand must be separately planned as a direct-filing jurisdiction. (Note: Thailand has discussed Madrid accession multiple times, but had not formally joined as of early 2026. Confirm current status before filing.)

Source: WIPO Madrid member list; DIP Thailand

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Thailand

Thai trademarks are administered by DIP under a first-to-file system. Registrations are valid for 10 years from registration, renewable indefinitely. **Thailand has NOT joined the Madrid Protocol** — all applications must be filed directly with DIP in Thai.

Trademark Examination Process ▾

DIP trademark examination: formal review → substantive examination (absolute and relative grounds) → publication (90 days) → registration. Typical timeline: ~16–24 months (without opposition).

Source: Thailand Trademark Act 1991; DIP guidelines

Term and Renewal ▾

Thailand trademark registrations: 10 years from registration; renewable every 10 years. File before expiry.

Source: Thailand Trademark Act

Non-Use Cancellation (3 Years) ▾

A Thai trademark can be cancelled by court order for 3 consecutive years of non-use in Thailand. The registrant must prove genuine use.

Source: Thailand Trademark Act § 64

Patent Annuity

Thailand Patent Annuities

Thai patents require annual fees paid from the filing date, both pre- and post-grant. Petty patents also require annual fees. Late payment incurs a surcharge.

Source: Thailand Patent Act; DIP fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Thailand Trademark Renewals

Thailand trademark: 10 years from registration; 10-year renewals. File before expiry.

Source: Thailand Trademark Act

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Thailand IP

Is Thailand a PCT member? What is the national phase deadline? ▾

Yes, Thailand is a PCT member. The national phase deadline is 30 months from the priority date. A full Thai translation is required, and a Thailand-registered agent must be appointed.

Has Thailand joined the Madrid System? ▾

As of this writing, Thailand has NOT joined the Madrid Protocol. All Thai trademark applications must be filed directly with DIP in Thai. Plan Thailand separately in Asia Pacific strategies. Confirm current status before filing.

How long does Thai patent examination take? ▾

Thailand's DIP patent backlog is significant — invention patents typically take 5–8 years from filing to grant. Recent reforms have improved the situation somewhat, but prosecution timelines remain long.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

DIP Thailand Official Website www.ipthailand.go.th DIP Patent Search patentsearch.ipthailand.go.th/ WIPO PCT Guide — TH www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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