Answer ... The Department of Intellectual Property, under the authority of the Ministry of Commerce.

Answer ... The Thai trademark office charges official fees at the filing stage and at the registration stage.

These official fees are paid per number of product(s) or service(s) specified if the total number of products or services does not exceed five per class. Where there are more than five products or services per class, the Thai trademark office charges a flat fee.

The official fees at the filing stage are of THB 1,000 per item (approximately $30) for each product or service up to a total of five. If there are more than five products or services, a flat fee of THB 9,000 (approximately $270) applies.

Upon acceptance of a trademark for registration, the official fees are THB 600 (approximately $18) for each product or service up to a total of five. If there are more than five products or services, a flat fee of THB 5,400 (approximately $162) applies.

Answer ... The Thai Department of Intellectual Property follows the Nice Classification, although general class headings are not allowed. A Thai classification supplements the Nice Classification which is more detailed and includes Thai-specific products or services.

Answer ... Class-wide or class heading applications are not allowed in Thailand. Moreover, broad product or services are not registrable, even if these are listed in the Nice Classification. For example, items such as ‘cosmetics’ or ‘clothing’ are too broad in Thailand and must be further specified (eg, ‘mascara’, ‘lipstick’, ‘shirts’ or ‘pants’).

Answer ... Yes, applicants must have a bona fide intention to use the trademark.

Answer ... Yes, the Department of Intellectual Property performs trademark searches for prior filed and registered trademark applications to check that the mark applied for is not identical or similar to a trademark that has already been registered by a third party.

Answer ... The Department of Intellectual Property will perform a substantive examination and further check whether the mark is distinctive or suggestive, or whether it contains common words that would need to be disclaimed. Compared to other countries, Thailand is very strict in this examination.

Answer ... Yes, according to the Trademark Act, a mark must not be prohibited under the Trademark Act and regulations, and must not be contrary to public order.

Answer ... No.

Answer ... No.

Answer ... No, use is not required to obtain registration in Thailand. However, a registered trademark may be challenged for non-use if it has not been used for three consecutive years.

Answer ... Twelve to 16 months.

Answer ... Twelve to 16 months.