Trade Fairs in Thailand – Steps to Protect Your Intellectual Property

By: South-East Asia IPR SME Helpdesk

Trade fairs are now a well-established part of the business calendar in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, with a number of high-tech industries represented, as well as areas of the creative sector such as furniture and design. Trade fairs provide foreign businesses with the opportunity to present their innovations and ideas to potential business partners and customers, and allow them to learn from and collaborate with other innovators. There is, however, a risk, in that disclosing your innovations to the public leaves you exposed to copying and infringements of your IP.

Infringement of innovations may not necessarily be straightforward ‘counterfeiting’ – i.e. exact product, packaging and brand imitation. It is more likely that competitors could be using, intentionally or otherwise, a certain part of your product or innovation. It is therefore advisable to be as diligent as possible and to get to know competitors’ products well. In the light of this, a practical and realistic approach must be taken when preparing for and attending trade fairs in Thailand. IP owners must also be patient and pragmatic, as it is unlikely that immediate action can be taken against an infringer. There are, however, steps that IP owners can take before, during and after the event to best protect their IP.

Preparing for a Trade Fair

When preparing your materials for an exhibition, it is wise to notify the public – where appropriate – of your IP ownership. This can be done by using the following symbols and phrases:

It is a good idea to research the trade fair organizer’s material as much as possible. For example, it is worth taking the below steps in advance:

1. Checking for an IP or business center that may be able to provide assistance or advice during the trade fair and review carefully the terms and conditions of the trade fair.
2. Liaising with a local lawyer and providing that lawyer with a Power of Attorney (for example, three to four months in advance) and other proof of IP ownership so that legal action can be taken swiftly, if necessary.
3. Checking the list of exhibitors and making a note to check their stands.

RELATED: IP Protection in Malaysia’s Food & Beverage Industry

What to do if an Infringement is Discovered at a Trade Fair?

If an infringement is confirmed at or as a consequence of a trade fair, there are several enforcement options for companies that are usually recommended. These include:

1. A notification letter. This letter simply provides the infringer with notice of your IP rights. You may wish to also include a statement that you would be willing to discuss the issue or license the IP to them. These are seen as a softer approach and are often used when there is not strong evidence of infringement. It may be possible to send such a letter on the letterhead of the IP owner (i.e. without instructing lawyers).
2. A ‘cease and desist’ letter. This letter will usually threaten legal proceedings and demand that the infringer ceases and desists from infringing the IP in question. It is possible to ask for damages and legal costs in such letters. The letter may be accompanied by a form of settlement agreement known as ‘undertakings’ to contractually bind the infringer by the settlement terms. Usually lawyers are instructed to send these letters.
3. Raid or ‘search and seize’ actions. These are usually done ex parte, e. without informing the infringer, so as to take them by surprise. In Thailand, in the case of patent infringement, the court, authorities or police will most likely not be willing to seize the goods, since there may be complex factual and legal issues involved. However, products infringing trade marks or copyright would be suitable for such an action.
4. Investigate the infringer. It may be that the infringer is sourcing infringing materials from a larger supplier that may reside in another country. It may be that an investigation would help provide you with information about their customers and network. Your local lawyer or business partner may be able to assist with an investigation. There are investigation companies specializing in IP across Southeast Asia.
5. Issue legal proceedings. This is often a last resort. Legal actions are not as costly in Thailand as in Europe, but they are still a significant drain on resources, particularly for a SME. Criminal, civil, and administrative actions may be available to the IP owner for injunctions and damages, though awards from the court to recover legal costs are generally very rare in Thailand and cases are generally only taken seriously where there is evidence of wide scale infringement. Local legal advice is essential when considering such options.

Trade fairs present huge opportunities for collaboration and progressive business, but at the same time, they present a degree of risk in relation to theft of IP. With a robust and well-prepared approach to trade fairs, IP value can be maximized to the benefit of the IP owner.

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