Best Patent Lawyers in Bangkok

About Patent Law in Bangkok, Thailand

In Bangkok, Thailand, one of the key areas of Intellectual Property (IP) Law is Patent Law. This area of law provides exclusive rights to inventors for their inventions, which can be a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem. Thailand's Patent Act B.E. 2522 (1979) is the main Legislative Act that governs patents. The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Ministry of Commerce is responsible for patents registration and protection.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are various scenarios where you may require professional legal help in Patent Law. You might need a lawyer to draft and file a patent application or to defend your patent rights against others’ infringement. Additionally, if you're dealing with complex patent disputes, patent licensing, or dealing with international patent laws, it can be extremely beneficial to have an experienced lawyer guiding you through the process. Lawyers are well versed in understanding such complex law terms and can help you navigate through them effectively.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspect of patent law in Bangkok, Thailand, according to Patent Act is that patent protection lasts for 20 years from the date of application for invention patents, and 10 years for petty patents. To obtain the grant of a patent, the invention must be new, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application. Importantly, the patenting of certain inventions is not permitted, including inventions against public order, animal breeds or plant varieties, and methods of diagnosis or treatment practiced on human or animal bodies. Furthermore, Thailand adopts a 'first-to-file' system, which means the first person to file a patent application will own the rights to the patent.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a patent? A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, a product or process that offers a new and inventive way of doing something or a technical solution to a problem.
2. How long does a patent last in Thailand? In Bangkok, Thailand, a patent lasts for 20 years from the date of application for invention patents, and 10 years for petty patents.
3. Can I patent a business method in Thailand? Business methods as such are not patentable in Thailand. However, if the business method includes a technical aspect that is new and non-obvious, it may be patentable.
4. What is the process of patent registration in Bangkok, Thailand? The patent application process involves several steps including preparation of the application, filing the application with the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), publication, substantive examination, and grant of the patent.
5. What is a petty patent? A petty patent in Thailand provides protection for minor inventions, which don't qualify for regular patent protection but still bring about a minor improvement to existing technology. It's valid for six years and can be extended for two two-year terms, making a total of 10 years.

Additional Resources

Several organizations can be valuable resources when dealing with Patent Laws in Bangkok, Thailand. You might consider reaching out to the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), the Ministry of Commerce Thailand, and the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court (CIPITC). All of these organizations have a wealth of resources related to Intellectual Property and Patent Law.

Next Steps

If you require legal assistance with patent issues in Bangkok, you should consider consulting with a lawyer specializing in IP and Patent law. It is important that you gather all relevant documents, understand your invention in detail, and prepare a list of questions to ask the lawyer. Remember, the lawyer is there to guide you, so do not hesitate to ask any question no matter how trivial it might seem.