Thailand Sees Nearly 10% Increase in Intellectual Property Filings in First Three Quarters of 2026

Thailand experienced a significant rise in intellectual property (IP) filings in the first nine months of 2026, according to official data released by the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) under the Commerce Ministry. Total applications for IP protection increased by 9.59 percent year on year, reaching 61,288 filings from January through September.

Registrations granted across various IP categories—including trademarks, invention patents, petty patents, and design patents—also grew by 6.34 percent compared to the previous year, totaling 43,379 during the same period.

Trademark applications, which constitute the largest segment of IP filings, saw a notable 10.76 percent increase to 45,696 applications. The filings were predominantly in sectors such as retail and marketing services, health and herbal products, and cleaning and beauty products. Thai applicants accounted for 56 percent of trademark filings, underscoring strong domestic engagement.

Invention patent applications rose by 3.98 percent to 6,483, with foreign companies responsible for 87 percent of these filings, indicating continued international interest in Thailand's innovation landscape.

Petty patent applications experienced the most substantial growth, surging 18.16 percent to 4,313. Thai applicants dominated this category, representing 94 percent of filings, led primarily by universities and state research agencies. Design patent applications remained relatively stable, with a slight variation resulting in 4,796 filings.

Voluntary copyright notifications saw a remarkable increase of 63.71 percent, totaling 17,176 works. The majority of these were literary works, including computer programs, reflecting expanding creative and software development activities.

DIP Director-General Jittima Srithaporn emphasized the department’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of IP protection and tailoring services to better meet trade and investment demands. She highlighted efforts to build applicant confidence and facilitate the commercial utilization of intellectual property.

Looking ahead, the DIP plans to leverage digital technology and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency, integrate data systems, and simplify access for the public and businesses. These initiatives aim to strengthen Thailand’s IP framework and support its evolving economic landscape.