Thailand Strengthens Online Counterfeit and Infringement Measures with 4 New Mechanisms

The Thai government is stepping up efforts to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringement online. Under the direction of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Supachai Sumamphan, the Department of Intellectual Property, overseen by Minister Lalida Periwatthanan, is collaborating with rights holders and online platform providers to implement four key mechanisms. These mechanisms aim to block websites and live streams containing infringing content, establish real-time data linkage for intellectual property information with platforms, develop a certification system for legally licensed stores, and enhance financial tracking to expose behind-the-scenes networks. From January to July 2024, authorities apprehended 140 cases of online intellectual property infringement, seizing 322,077 items valued at 104,344,850 baht. A total of 1,471 infringing items were also suspended from sale on online platforms, indicating a shift from merely removing infringing goods to preventing and disrupting infringement cycles at their source. The four key cooperation areas include: 1. Blocking websites and live broadcasts with infringing content, with the Department of Intellectual Property coordinating with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. 2. Developing a real-time API system to link intellectual property data with platforms, enabling faster verification of stores and products. 3. Creating an "IP Verified" mark for stores that have undergone intellectual property checks to aid consumer decision-making and support compliant businesses. This is currently under development. 4. Moving beyond arresting sellers to investigating financial trails and expanding investigations to identify suppliers, importers, beneficiaries, and involved parties to dismantle infringement networks. "The government wants the online market to be a space where people can buy goods with confidence, while businesses operating legally are not disadvantaged by competition from counterfeit or infringing goods," stated Deputy Spokesperson Lalida Periwatthanan. "The solution must be systemic, from detection and suspension to faster data linkage, and tracking financial flows to expand to the networks behind them." Currently, the Department of Intellectual Property utilizes MOUs with online platforms and the Notice and Takedown system. The real-time API linkage and IP Verified initiatives are future developments requiring clear details and participant agreements. Citizens and rights holders who encounter potential intellectual property violations can report them to the Department of Intellectual Property's Anti-Piracy Division (Tel: 0 2547 4702, Hotline: 1368), its website, or through partnered platforms like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, LINE, and Nex Gen Commerce. Consumers are advised to verify store names, product details, prices, reviews, and return policies before purchasing online, and to keep all transaction evidence. It is important to note that stores without the "IP Verified" mark are not necessarily illegal, as the certification system is still under development. Source: INN News