News
IP enforcement update: authorities seize over 3.3 million counterfeit items in aggressive 2025 crackdown
Summary: The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), operating in conjunction with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECSD), the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Customs Department, and private sector rights holders, has disclosed enforcement data covering the period from January through November 2025. These coordinated enforcement initiatives, designed to intercept intellectual property violations at the point of origin, resulted in the confiscation of approximately 3.3 million infringing items, representing an estimated aggregate damage valuation in excess of THB 1.14 billion.
Here is a summary of the report, drafted in a professional, factual tone suitable for a law firm’s website or news update.
Key statistics (Jan – Nov 2025)
Total cases: 1,132 cases.
Total Items seized: 3,344,841 items.
Total estimated damages: > 1,140 million THB.
Cases by Agency:
– Royal Thai Police: 789 cases (1.8 million items).
– Customs Department: 336 cases (571,675 items).
– Department of Special Investigation (DSI): 7 cases (952,592 items)
Comparative Analysis: 2024 vs. 2025:
A comparison with the corresponding period in 2024 demonstrates a notable shift in enforcement priorities:
– Case volume declined by 16.15%.
– Seized items increased by 21.35%.
– Estimated damages rose by 63.89%.
These figures suggest that enforcement efforts have pivoted toward larger operations and supply-chain sources, rather than concentrating on small-scale retail vendors.
Enforcement Framework
Operations have been conducted through coordinated initiatives involving the DIP Enforcement Task Force, the Economic Crime Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police, the Customs Department, the DSI, and private rights holders. The enforcement structure operates on three levels:
1. Rapid response units (Bangkok metropolitan area): Regular surveillance of major commercial districts, including MBK Center, Platinum, Pratunam, Silom, and Sukhumvit, with inspections conducted at minimum three times weekly.
2. Regional Mobilization Units: Bi-weekly inspections in high-risk provinces. Recent December 2025 operations in the Northeastern region (Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen) resulted in substantial seizures of automotive
3. Monitoring Units (Priority Tourist Zones): Monthly oversight of eight key provinces, including Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Surat Thani (Koh Samui).
Frequently seized merchandise includes cosmetics, electrical appliances, automotive parts, and counterfeit luxury items such as apparel, handbags, watches, and eyewear.
Online IP Enforcement (notice and takedown)
The DIP has expanded efforts to address online infringement through a Memorandum of Understanding on internet-based IP protection.
– Current results: The notice and takedown mechanism has successfully removed 2,867 infringing listings from major e-commerce platforms, including Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, NocNoc, and Nex Gen Commerce.
– Platform Expansion: On December 19, 2025, the DIP is scheduled to execute an additional MOU with Line Company (Thailand) Limited to extend coverage to Line Shopping.
Strategic Priorities for 2026–2027
In accordance with the National Intellectual Property Policy, authorities have identified six enforcement priorities:
1. Upstream targeting: Redirecting focus from retail-level sellers to manufacturers and large-scale distributors.
2. Asset forfeiture & tax law: Leveraging anti-money laundering legislation and tax regulations to pursue violators.
3. Platform Expansion: Broadening the online MOU framework to include additional service providers.
4. Landlord Liability: Pressuring property owners to terminate leases with tenants engaged in counterfeit sales. Property owners who fail to act may face civil liability under joint tort principles.
5. Software Piracy: Intensified action against software infringement across public and private sectors.
6. Streaming Technology: Deployment of advanced technology to combat unauthorized online streaming.
Consumer Safety and Business Implications
The DIP underscores that enforcement operations serve not only to protect economic interests but also to safeguard public health and safety. A considerable portion of confiscated goods—particularly cosmetics, electrical appliances, and automotive parts—failed to meet safety standards. These substandard products present significant health and safety hazards to consumers.
For rights holders, the enhanced enforcement approach underscores the value of proactive brand protection. IP owners are advised to maintain close coordination with the DIP and utilize the Notice and Takedown procedures to protect their interests in digital commerce.
Reporting Infringement
The DIP encourages the public to report suspected intellectual property violations. Information regarding the sale of counterfeit goods can be directed to the Intellectual Property Infringement Suppression Division via the 1368 hotline or through the official website at www.ipthailand.go.th.
References: News Release: Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, December 2025.
