On February 23, 2023, Domnern Somgiat & Boonma (DS&B), represented by Nutthakarn Phongphunpunya, attended a press conference held by the Customs Department regarding the seizure of a large number of counterfeit trademark goods. Mr. Phantong Loykulnanta, Deputy Director-General of the Customs Department, announced that the authorities had raided warehouses in Samut Sakhon Province and seized counterfeit garments, bags, and shoes of many brands that had been imported from other countries without certificates of origin or customs clearance.

The seized goods were estimated to have caused more than THB 150 million (about USD 4.3 million) in economic damage.

It is highly recommended for trademark owners to record their trademark registrations with the Customs Department. Such recordation will greatly facilitate Customs officers and relevant government authorities to take necessary steps to inspect and seize suspected goods moving across the border. It will also enable notifying the trademark owners or agents regarding further proceedings.

DS&B follows and advises on important developments involving Thailand’s Customs Department – and evolving IP regulations including the new customs recordation procedure announced in July 2022. As background, we recommend your reading two relevant articles published mid-year 2022:

NEW CUSTOMS RECORDATION PROCEDURE IN THAILAND
(published September 28, 2022)

NEW CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION ON TRADEMARK OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGING GOODS
(published August 19, 2022)

Importantly, the legal specialists at DS&B are always available to assist with and advise on IP matters, so do not hesitate to contact us through our managing partner at: rutorn@dsb.co.th