BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Commerce has expanded Thailand’s international intellectual property cooperation through new partnerships with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the Kingdom of Bhutan. Vice Minister for Commerce Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, representing Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, led the Thai delegation in Geneva to discuss cooperation on intellectual property and innovation, as well as support for Thai businesses.
During talks with EUIPO Executive Director João Negrão, Thailand presented progress in modernizing its intellectual property system, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in trademark services, expanded fast-track registration, and updates to intellectual property laws. The discussions also covered digital technologies, intellectual property financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, and geographical indications (GI). Department of Intellectual Property Director-General Auramon Supthaweethum and Negrão also witnessed the signing of a new memorandum of understanding extending cooperation in information technology, personnel development, intellectual property rights enforcement, and the commercial use of intellectual property assets.
The Thai delegation also met with officials from Bhutan’s Department of Media, Creative Industry, and Intellectual Property to discuss intellectual property cooperation ahead of the Thailand–Bhutan Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to take effect on 1 January 2027. Thailand also shared its experience with geographical indications, noting that 260 registered GI products generate more than 116.253 billion baht in economic value. (NNT)
