Memorandum of Understanding on Intellectual Property Cooperation Between Thailand and China

On 1 March 2021, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Intellectual Property Cooperation was signed between Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) and China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) via video conference, with the aim of mutual cooperation for the enhancement of the intellectual property (IP) protection system and enforcement against infringements in both countries.

“This MOU will help Thai business operators tackle IP infringements in China faster and with more efficiency, which is in line with the policy and strategy of the Ministry of Commerce, DIP, to proactively protect intellectual property rights of Thai IP owners in foreign countries”, said Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, Director-General of the DIP.

Under the MOU, both countries will mutually help each other to develop the IP protection system to reach the acceptable international standard, including development of personnel and implementation and adaptation of technology for examination, registration and utilisation of intellectual property rights.

Furthermore, both countries will also support each other with regard to protection and utilisation of traditional knowledge in each country. This includes expediting the registration process for three Thai Geographical Indication (GI) product applications, all of which have been filed in China but are still pending.  The said three Thai GIs (a geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin) are: Thung Kula Rong-Hai Jasmine Rice; Tuptim Siam Pak Phanang Pomelo; and Phetchabun Sweet Tamarind.