In a significant demonstration of Thailand’s commitment to intellectual property rights protection, a large-scale destruction ceremony of counterfeit goods was held on 23 August 2024, at the Royal Thai Army’s 7th Air Defense Regiment complex in Bangkok. The event, jointly organized by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Customs Department, Royal Thai Police, and Department of Special Investigation (DSI), marked a crucial step in Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat IP infringement.

High-Level Government Support

The event was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with prominent attendees including Minister of Commerce Napinthorn Srisappang, Permanent Secretary Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, and DIP Deputy Director Arwut Wongsawas. Representatives from intellectual property (IP) owners, IP agents, diplomats, government authorities, and the press were also present.

In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Wechayachai emphasized the government’s dedication to preventing IP infringement through enhanced cooperation between private and public sectors. This initiative aligns with Thailand’s World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments, ensuring that counterfeit products are permanently removed from the market through appropriate destruction methods.

Substantial Impact

The ceremony saw the destruction of 1,249,588 counterfeit items, valued at over THB 325 million (approximately USD 9.5 million). In line with environmental and safety considerations, the destruction process involved initial measures such as cutting, shredding, and using a bulldozer, followed by industrial incineration in facilities located in Chon Buri and Saraburi provinces.

DS&B’s Role

As legal representatives for several affected brands, DS&B participated in the ceremony, witnessing the destruction of counterfeit goods that infringed our clients’ IP rights. This involvement reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting our clients’ intellectual property interests in Thailand.

At DS&B, we offer comprehensive IP services that fully protect and enforce our clients’ rights, including:

• Cease-and-desist letters – Swift and effective measures to halt infringement
• On-site and online investigations – Leveraging our in-house team to conduct on-site and online investigations, uncovering critical evidence to build robust enforcement cases.
• Coordination of enforcement actions with authorities – Collaborating with Customs, police, and other enforcement agencies to execute impactful raids and crackdowns.
• IP litigation – Representing clients in complex IP disputes with precision and a proven track record of success in the courtroom.
• Customs IPR Recordation – Proactively recording your IP rights through the Thai Customs IPR Recordation System, enabling efficient interception of counterfeit goods at Thailand’s borders.

For more information about border control measures, we invite you to review our articles: (1) New Customs Recordation Procedure in Thailand, (2) New Customs Department Notification on Trademark or Copyright Infringing Goods, and (3) Brand Protection at the Thai Border: Insights and Strategies from the Front Line by our Of Counsel, Rutorn Nopakun.

With DS&B by your side, you can rest assured that your IP is not only protected but also actively enforced against infringers, strengthening your brand’s presence and market integrity.