DIP 2024 Destruction Ceremony of Intellectual Property Rights Infringing Goods

On August 23, 2024, the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) conducted a formal destruction of confiscated goods from intellectual property infringement cases that had reached a final judgment. This event, officially titled the “Destruction Ceremony of Intellectual Property Rights Infringing Goods,” was held at the Royal Thai Army’s 7th Air Defense Regiment. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand; Mr. Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, Permanent Secretary of Commerce; and Mr. Arwut Wongsawas, Deputy Director General and Acting Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property. Also in attendance were representatives of brand owners, DIP officials, embassy representatives, and members of the press.

As a leading firm in IP rights enforcement in Thailand, TMP was invited to witness the destruction of counterfeit goods pertaining to our clients’ brands. Our firm was represented by partners Ms. Suthasinee Sutthavas, Mr. Pawat Varapirom, and Mr. Munif Chaipanya, along with associates Ms. Chanapa Thussanasumrit, Ms. Kejmanee Thongsrithong, and Ms. Boodsaraporn Nakmoung.

This year, 1,249,588 counterfeit and pirated items, with a total estimated value exceeding 325 million baht, were destroyed. This act of destruction underscores the ongoing commitment to preventing these illicit goods from re-entering the Thai market. The items, seized by the Royal Thai Police, the Customs Department, and the Department of Special Investigation from various regions across the country, included clothing, watches, bags, electronic devices, auto parts, food and beverages, pharmaceutical products, and cosmetics.

The ceremony represents a continued joint effort by the government and intellectual property rights holders to protect Thailand as a safe environment for legitimate businesses. The destruction of counterfeit products serves as a significant step towards raising public awareness of the detrimental effects of intellectual property infringement, particularly the serious health risks associated with substandard and counterfeit goods.

TMP remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting the interests of IP owners through rigorous enforcement activities, both online and offline, including police raids, customs seizures, and trap purchases. Should you encounter any potential violations of intellectual property rights, we encourage you to contact us.