At Domnern Somgiat & Boonma (DS&B), we understand the value of building international relationships and sharing knowledge across borders. That’s why we were thrilled to welcome 30 Danish students from Juridisk Selskab, a student organization from Aarhus University, to our firm in March 2023. This visit was made possible thanks to a positive relationship that DS&B has built with a respected Danish law firm.

Juridisk Selskab, started in 1977, is the largest student association at Aarhus University, with nearly 1,000 members. Its purpose is to create the best study and social environment for students, all tailored to enrich legal students university life while preparing them for future careers. Aarhus University provides an excellent environment for Juridisk Selskab – as Denmark’s largest, research-based university, and among the top 100 universities in the world. The University is supported by five faculties, research activities across Denmark, and campuses in Aarhus, Herning and EmdrupIt.

It was meaningful to see how engaged the students were during the interactive discussions with DS&B lawyers and patent specialists, and to note how much they enjoyed the cultural exchange over a delicious lunch. The knowledge-sharing and get-to-know day was successful, and DS&B was honored to have been a part of it. The firm is delighted to know that the students returned to Denmark on March 8 with an expanded and hands-on understanding of Thailand’s intellectual property laws and practice, and the country as a whole.

The presentations focused on Trademarks, Patents and Enforcement.

Partners, Apiwatt Kongsoowan and Nathapong Tongkaew launched knowledge-sharing with a unique introduction to the firm, a documentary covering DS&B’s 70+ year development – as one of the oldest and most respected law firms in Thailand. Practice-focused presentations followed.

Engineers, Prad Vatanasuchart and Thirayut Sawangsi covered the three main Patent types in Thailand: Invention, Design and Petty Patents, and described the most efficient strategies for accelerating prosecution and avoiding delaying actions. Associates and Trademark Specialists, Passara Thammashotworn and Padcha Ritkasem presented on the steps required for Trademark registration in-country, and highlighted several of DS&B’s clients as examples of the extensive industry range the firm advises on. In the second half of her presentation Passara gave an example of how the firm successfully managed a global client’s mark by overcoming refusals from the Trademark Office and defending against oppositions from third parties. Padcha described the possible challenges clients may face in filing Trademark applications, given the Trademark Office’s strict examination practice, and how the firm works prior to filing to avoid the risk of objections. She also described DS&B’s experience in delivering practical and effective solutions in cases where rejections are received. The critical area of Enforcement was addressed by Associates Oraphan Chayanuwat and Nutthakarn Phongphunpunya. As Nutthakarn summarized, “DS&B ensures that the intellectual property rights of our clients are fully protected and enforced to the greatest degree possible. Our comprehensive services encompass addressing infringement in both online and offline activities, from upstream to downstream, including Customs actions, corresponding with online platforms, and by pursuing civil and criminal actions when necessary”.

The Danish students were particularly surprised by the length of the filing process in Thailand, but impressed by DS&B’s depth of experience and broad spectrum of clients.

At DS&B, the team believes that cross-border relationships are key to success in today’s global marketplace. The firm is grateful to have had the opportunity to develop this connection with the Juridisk Selskab group and looks forward to future collaboration with them, and other international partners.