DIP Introduces New Format for Madrid Protocol Trademark Registration Certificates (CM 1–CM 3) and Change to Issuance Practices

To enhance efficiency and provide greater convenience to the business community, the private sector, and the public, the Department of Intellectual Property of Thailand (“DIP”) has issued a new announcement regarding the format of Trademark Registration Certificates and Substitute Certificates. This announcement took effect on 15 August 2025 and repeals the previous DIP announcement on the new format for Trademark Registration Certificates and Substitute Certificates, B.E. 2567 (2024), dated 10 April 2024.

In summary, the Announcement of the DIP on the New Format of Trademark Registration Certificates and Substitute Certificates, B.E. 2568 (2025) (“New Format Announcement”), relates to the new format for trademark registration certificates and substitute certificates under the Madrid Protocol (CM 1 – CM 3), which will be issued in the newly established format starting 15 August 2025. These certificates feature a QR code through which to access the electronic version of the certificate and a digital signature using PKI technology. Additional details are as follows:

1. QR Code Feature in Madrid Protocol Trademark Certificates and its Legal Effect: Trademark registration certificates issued under the Madrid Protocol (CM 1 – CM 3) will contain a QR code for accessing electronic data. (This differs from regular trademark registration certificates for applications filed through the national route, which do not bear a QR code.) Both the certificates and the corresponding electronic data are recognized as official documents issued by the DIP pursuant to Section 43 of the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 (1991), as amended. They have full legal effect and are enforceable in the same manner as certificates and substitute certificates of trademark registration issued in the original format.

2. Issuance to Trademark Owners: Trademark owners will receive certificates of trademark registration under the Madrid Protocol (CM 1 – CM 3) together with:
• Statement of Total Grant of Protection (Model Form 4); and
• Statement of Total or Partial Grant of Protection Following A Provisional Refusal (Model Form 5), 
These documents will be submitted to the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”) and made available on the Madrid Monitor at https://www3.wipo.int/madrid/monitor/en/.

For clarity, and as a departure from previous practice, the DIP will no longer issue original certificates to local representatives, in hard copy or paper form. Instead, all of the documents mentioned above will be transmitted electronically and directly to WIPO for delivery to trademark owners.

3. Electronic Signatures (Digital Signatures): Trademark registration certificates under the Madrid Protocol (CM 1–CM 3) are signed electronically using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology, which encrypts the electronic data and enables verification of any tampering with or alterations to the text or signature. As the issuer of these electronic signatures, the DIP has implemented procedures in accordance with Sections 26 and 28 of the Electronic Transactions Act B.E. 2544 (2001), as amended. The digital signature carries the same legal effect as a handwritten signature on a paper document.

4. Verification of Validity: The validity of a trademark registration certificate under the Madrid Protocol (CM 1 – CM 3) can be verified as follows:

4.1 By scanning the QR code located in the lower right-hand corner of the certificate. This QR code provides access to the corresponding electronic data in the DIP system.

4.2 Online, by:

• Checking the certificate number at https://search.ipthailand.go.th/; and
• Accessing the International Registry at https://www3.wipo.int/madrid/monitor/en/.

For more information on the new format for trademark registration certificates for trademark applications filed through Madrid system, or for guidance on protecting intellectual property in Thailand or other countries, please feel free to reach out to SCL Nishimura & Asahi. We are happy to assist you with the trademark registration process and ensuring that your intellectual property is protected properly.

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