Thailand

Thailand is a key IP hub in Southeast Asia, with patents managed by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce.
Table of Content
Patent Protection in Thailand
Why File in Thailand
Thai Patent System Overview
Types of Patents
Significant Prosecution Deadlines
Filing Formalities
Subject Matter Eligibility

Patent Protection in Thailand

Thailand is a key intellectual property jurisdiction in Southeast Asia, with a patent system administered by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Ministry of Commerce. The Thai patent system recognizes both national applications and international filings via the Paris Convention and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

While patent examination can be lengthy, recent reforms and participation in ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC) have improved efficiency and regional harmonization.

Why File in Thailand?

Thailand (≈71 M people as of 2023) is ASEAN’s second-largest economy.
Regional center for automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Strong manufacturing base and growing middle-class consumer market.
Strengthened by specialized IP courts and greater awareness of intellectual property rights.
Low official fees make Thailand an affordable jurisdiction for protection.
Member of the ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation, providing faster, harmonized examination.

Thailand Patent System Overview

If you want to learn more about Voyage IP’s Thailand service offering, please contact us here.
Government Agency Responsible for
Patent Registration
Patent registration is administered by the
Department of Intellectual Property (DIP)
Visit DIP
Patent Examination
Official Language
Thai

Thailand Patent Filing Statistics

Source: WIPO Statistics Database
Major international treaties
ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC)
Budapest Treaty
Paris Convention
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (TRIPS)

Types of Patents

A Standard Patent in Thailand lasts 20 years from filing, offering inventors strong protection for their innovations.
Patent Type
term
remarks
Invention Patent
20 years from Filing
Requires substantive examination
Petty Patent (Utility Model)
6 years, renewable twice for 2 years each (max 10 years)
Lower inventiveness standard, quicker route

Significant Prosecution Deadlines

Thailand is a leading intellectual property hub in Asia, offering a transparent, efficient, and internationally harmonised patent system.
EVENT
DEADLINE
Paris Convention
12 months from earliest priority date
PCT National Phase Entry
30 months from earliest priority date
Substantive Examination
Within 5 years from publication in Thailand
Divisional Application
Only possible if a unity of invention objection is raised

Accelerated Examination Programs

ASEAN Patent Examination Cooperation

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Patent Prosecution Highway

Japan

Availability of Prefiling Grace Period

Thailand provides a 12-month grace period for disclosures made by the inventor or derived from the inventor (e.g., at exhibitions or in breach of confidence).

Filing Formalities

National Phase Patent Application
Paris Convention Patent Application

National Phase Patent Application

Document/action
Required?
deadline to submit
certification/legalization required?
extension of time available?
Power of Attorney
Yes
Within 90 days of filing
Notarized
No
Assignment
No
-
-
-
Translation of Application to Thai
Yes
Thai translation of title, abstract and all claims due at filing. Remaining translation due 90 days from lodgement.
No
No
Translation of Non-Thai Priority Application
No
No
No
No
Certified Priority Document Required
No
No
No
No

Paris Convention Patent Application

Document/action
Required?
deadline to submit
certification/legalization required?
extension of time available?
Power of Attorney
Yes
Within 90 days of filing
Notarized
No
Assignment
Yes
Within 90 days of filing
No
Yes
Translation of Application to Thai
Yes
At filing
No
No
Translation of Non-Thai Priority Application
No
No
No
No
Certified Priority Document Required
Yes
Within 16 months from priority date
Yes
No

Subject Matter Eligibility

Excluded subject matter includes:
Discoveries, scientific theories, 
and mathematical methods.
Computer programs per se.
Schemes, rules, and methods for doing business, playing games, or performing mental acts.
Methods for treatment of humans and animals.
Inventions contrary to public order, morality, health, or safety.
Additional Things to Consider:
Applicants should carefully consider claim drafting to avoid exclusions, especially infields like pharmaceuticals, software, and biotechnology.

Need Help or a
Cost Estimate?

Have questions or require a cost estimate? Please contact us here.
Contact Us

Global Expertise, Regional Insights

IP Services
Trademark Registration
Patent Filing & Prosecution
Copyright Protection
IP Portfolio Management
Offices
Singapore
Hong Kong
Legal Information
Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyDisclaimer
Follow us on:
Explore Insights
Voyage IP Asia © 2025 All Rights Reserved