Thailand’s IP Filing System Has Been Temporarily Closed Due to Covid-19 Prevention Measures
From July 20 to August 3, private companies and government entities in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and neighboring provinces must apply rigorous work-from-home restrictions for 14 days, with very few exceptions, as part of the Thai government’s newest Covid-19 prevention efforts (subject to extension). During this time, the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) will close its physical receiving office and move all applications and requests to an entirely online filing system.
The DIP will improve its IT infrastructure from 5.00 p.m. on Friday, July 23, to 4.00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 27 (note that July 26 is a government holiday), during which time the online filing system will be unavailable. This implies that at this time, neither online nor paper filings will be allowed. The DIP has not approved time extensions for trademark applications due during this time period.
Thailand’s IP Filing System Has Been Temporarily Closed Due to Covid-19 Prevention Measures
While exceptions for late filings due to government actions may be possible, such requests must be submitted in writing and substantiated, and will be allowed or denied at the Registrar’s sole discretion. As a result, unless absolutely necessary, it is not suggested to rely on such exceptions.
