An introduction to the Thai DIP electronic filing systems for patents

The Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) introduced in the recent years the patent e-Filing system to make submitting patent, petty patent and design applications more efficient. This system reduces the need for physical copies and allows e-Filing users to submit documents and pay fees in a single step, simplifying the process. Other notable advantages of this new system are:

(1) Memorandum for incomplete submissions: if e-Filing users submit applications that are missing certain required documents, the DIP will issue a memorandum specifying the missing or additional documents needed, along with the submission deadline.
 
(2) Requests for additional documents or clarifications: if additional documents or clarifications are required, officers may contact the e-filing users to request the submission of the necessary documents or further explanations.
 
(3) Application tracking: the system includes a tracking feature, allowing e-Filing users to monitor the status of their applications and receive updates on office actions directly through the platform.

This new e-Filing system provides a convenient, centralized solution for managing all application-related processes. However, few glitches with possible serious consequences can occur. For instance, issuance of new office actions is not always notified to the users, and the deadline to respond may start running without warning, which may result in the application being abandoned. Until such glitches are fixed, it may be preferable to request the issuance of office action in paper form, in which case the deadline to respond would start running from the date the office actions are received or picked-up by the agent or applicant.
 
Finally, the e-Filing system incorporates an e-Payment portal, allowing applicants to handle payments of filing fees, publication fees, issuance fees, and annuity fees, all within the same system. For extra convenience, fees may be paid through various payment methods, including credit or debit card, internet banking or mobile applications and at counter services.
 
Payments must be completed by 11:00 PM on the day following the filing date via the Thai Government’s e-Payment portal system, failing which the corresponding request or application will not be recorded.

References:
[1] DIP e-Document infographic
[2] DIP e-Payment infographic