News
Thailand’s Target Patent Fast-Track Program extended to
digital innovation
Digital technology is rapidly evolving, with advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, big data, and cloud being increasingly adopted to enhance operational efficiency and digital services. Collectively, these are referred to as “digital innovations.” These changes are driving both the public and private sectors to accelerate their adaptation in areas such as cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and digital transformation.
To promote the commercialization of digital innovations and support sustainable economic growth, the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has extended its fast-track patent examination program to cover digital innovation in December 2025, aiming to expedite the registration of patents and petty patents related to digital systems, data processing, smart technology and digital transformation, while enhancing the competitiveness of Thailand’s industrial and economic sectors.
Categories of “Digital innovations” under this program
Digital innovations within the scope of this program relate to five categories:
1. Artificial intelligence
2. Smart devices
3. Innovation for communications
4. Innovation for digital service
5. Semiconductors
Conditions and requirements for participation in the program
An application eligible to participate in the fast-track program must meet the following requirements:
1. The patent application or petty patent application must be related to digital innovation, such as manufacturing processes, products, manufacturing equipment, digital data processing systems, and smart technology utilizing digital technology to create inventions. The application must also demonstrate the invention’s public benefit and commercial potential.
2. The applicant must prepare a document detailing how the invention meets the eligibility conditions of the program, together with plans to produce or distribute the invention (including through licensing). The document must not exceed four A4 pages.
3. The application must be first filed in Thailand with the Thai DIP (without claiming priority from a foreign patent application) or under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) through the International Receiving Office in Thailand (RO/TH).
4. The application must have been filed through the e-filing system from the start or must have been converted to the e-filing system before joining the program.
5. Application status:
For patent applications, a request for substantive examination must have been filed.
For petty patent applications, the application must have been pending for at least 3 months.
6. During the period of participation in the program, the application must contain no more than 10 claims.
Procedure for participation in the program
The request must be filed between the 1st and 10th of each month via e-Filing, together with a document explaining how the invention meets the program’s eligibility conditions and the plans to produce or distribute it. The list of the applications selected is announced on the DIP website by the 5th of the following month.
A maximum of 10 applications will be selected per month, and they must not be from the same applicant, meaning each applicant may submit the request for only one application per month.
Examination process under the program
Applications elected to participate in the program will follow the following procedures:
1. Accelerated examination process:any required amendments or clarifications will be communicated by the officer via the e-filing system. Applicants will be informed of the details and a remote electronic meeting will be scheduled, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
2. Timeline for amendments and clarifications: applicants must submit the required amendments or clarifications within 30 days from the date they are deemed to have received the notification via the e-filing system. Failure to comply within this specified deadline will be interpreted as a withdrawal from the program and the application will be reverted to the standard examination procedure.
3. Patent examination: if any opposition is filed against a patent application selected in the program, the application will be reverted to the standard examination procedure.
4. Petty patent examination: if it appears during the examination process that another party has previously filed a patent or petty patent application for the same invention, the application will be reverted to the standard examination procedure.
Benefits of participating in this program
Patent and petty patent applications that have been selected for this program will be examined urgently, and the examination results will be communicated within the following timeframes:
– 12 months from the date that the Thai DIP announces that the patent application has been selected;
– 6 months from the date that the Thai DIP announces that the petty patent application has been selected.
Since the target patent fast-track program pushes forward and promotes innovation that benefits problem-solving, patent and petty patent applications have been approved at a relatively low rate due to strict conditions, with a primary focus on Thai applicants.
Since the Fast-Track Program’s launch in 2022, the number of fast-tracked applications has been as follows:
– 2022: 10 applications (6 petty patents and 4 patents)
– 2023: 36 applications (24 petty patents and 12 patents)
– 2024: 37 applications (26 petty patents and 11 patents)
– 2025: 62 applications (39 petty patents and 23 patents)
– 2026 February (latest update): 7 applications (6 petty patents and 1 patents)
Among these, no petty patent or patent applications categorized under digital innovation were selected.
References:
[1] Department of Intellectual Property. (2022). Target Patent Fast-Track.
[2] Department of Intellectual Property. (2025). Target Patent Fast-Track: digital innovation.
