Thailand

Thailand is coming of age as a significant and mature IP market, as evidenced by its moves towards accession to the Madrid System. The industry's growing sophistication is also reflected in the government’s more robust approach to tackling counterfeiting. Although the responsibility still rests with brand owners to enlist the help of Customs and police, once appropriate evidence and information have been supplied, the authorities are very effective in exercising their powers. However, some problems still persist – for example, the major backlog of cases at the Trademark Board, which reviews appeals against decisions of the trademark registrar. Nevertheless, the IP legal services field is well established and clients can instruct full-service firms and boutiques, both local and foreign.