BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is urging franchise businesses to strengthen their intellectual property (IP) protection before expanding, warning that failure to safeguard trademarks, business systems and proprietary knowledge could expose owners to imitation, unauthorized use and costly legal disputes. The department said Thailand’s franchise sector has grown into an industry worth more than 300 billion baht, making intellectual property one of the most valuable business assets for entrepreneurs seeking to expand through franchising.
Director-General Oramon Sapthaweetham said franchising involves far more than allowing others to operate under the same business name. Franchisees are typically granted access to trademarks, production methods, management systems and business know-how, all of which require proper legal protection. Without a strong IP strategy, businesses risk losing control of their brand identity, proprietary knowledge and competitive advantage, she said. To help entrepreneurs prepare, the department recommends six key steps before launching or expanding a franchise.
Businesses should first check whether their proposed business name or trademark conflicts with existing registrations by using the department’s AI Image Search and Trademark Checker tools.
They should then register their trademarks to secure legal protection, with eligible applicants able to use the department’s Fast Track service for quicker approval. The department also recommends registering trademark licensing agreements, preparing comprehensive franchise contracts that clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both parties, protecting innovations through patents or petty patents where applicable, and establishing safeguards for trade secrets to prevent confidential business knowledge from being disclosed or misused.
According to the department, effective intellectual property management not only protects business assets but also strengthens brand value, increases investor and franchisee confidence and supports sustainable long-term expansion. The Department of Intellectual Property said it continues to provide free advisory services, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to grow through franchising, helping businesses develop appropriate IP strategies, secure legal protection and maximize the commercial value of their intellectual property.
