Are you planning to start an e-commerce business in Thailand? Then there is certainly something good for you to know.
There are millions of everyday business transactions and a large number of online customers, e-commerce websites in Thailand. These have become some of Thailand’s most important marketplaces. The growing number of online shops using e-commerce sites necessitates the use of new strategies in cases of online IP rights infringement.
The Analysis of E-commerce Business in Thailand
Both the private sector and the government have created tools to improve online IP compliance. It is particularly for those that use cutting-edge legal technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Many legal tools and AI activities are also in the early stages of development. They do not always have the best solution for online IP rights protection. For example, AI or similar technology currently cannot distinguish between genuine and counterfeit goods. They cannot do so simply based on images and details viewed on e-commerce sites and the internet.
Due to this reason, manual web searches by expert investigators still remain some of the most successful measures for online IP compliance. Their thorough knowledge of consumer habits and capacity to correlate information through online sites makes them more reliable.
The Announcement for E-commerce Business in Thailand
The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is Thailand’s government agency in charge of IP issues. DIP has launched a new Memorandum of Understanding on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights on the Internet.
This memorandum of understanding (MOU) does not grant IP owners any new rights. Additionally, it serves as a framework for bringing together all concerned parties to discuss concerns of online IP violation. It is done in a single, mutually acceptable manner.
The MOU’s signatories are divided into four groups:
- Governmental authorities: DIP, Department of Business Development, and Department of International Trade Promotion;
- E-commerce platform operators: Lazada, Shopee, and JD Central (the most popular e-commerce platforms in Thailand);
- IP rights holders: Particularly including trademark owners facing ongoing counterfeiting problems in Thailand; and
- Law firms.
The Expectations from Business in Thailand
The MOU does not bind the signatory parties legally. But it shows the government authorities’ and e-commerce platforms’ intent to work together to discourage and suppress online IP infringement. This will significantly boost e-commerce sites’ collaboration in cases of online infringement.
The DIP will continue to encourage other partners to join the MOU if signatory members as required in the future. DIP will publicly acknowledge IP owners who sign this MOU. They will get good cooperation from both government offices and participating e-commerce sites in Thailand to address IP violation issues.
Joining the MOU will support IP owners and e-commerce sites in particular. It will enable them to take advantage of the opportunities available through this collaboration process. It will also increase the opportunity for online IP compliance in Thailand.
Your Take!
Thailand is taking concrete measures to facilitate the modernization of its IP regulations and implementation for the modern era. The recent and upcoming changes in the country’s legal and regulatory climate for online IP regulation is the major reason for this modification.
Thus it is needless to mention that Thailand is now more focused on the safety of digital platforms. This can be a very good era for you to start your e-commerce or digital platform in Thailand. You can also expand the network of your existing business in Thailand. For more details, feel free to write to us at [email protected].
