#Intellectualproperty

Thailand’s trademark landscape is shifting. New board decisions reveal that determining whether two marks are “too similar” goes beyond a quick side‑by‑side comparison; the dominant word in a mark and the transliteration filed with the application can tip the balance between approval and rejection. For Thai businesses planning to register brands at home or expand into fast-growing markets, these nuances are now as important as the logo itself. The changes underscore a broader move in Thai practice toward a holistic assessment of similarity, aligning filing strategies with how consumers actually perceive brands in everyday life.

A new wave of AI-generated music is sweeping through global playlists, with tracks created by algorithms climbing into mainstream streams and collaborations between human artists and intelligent systems becoming more common. The phenomenon has sparked a lively debate about who ultimately benefits from these works, how artists should be paid, and what rules should govern the use of existing music to train machines. In Thailand, where streaming has grown rapidly and local scenes—from pop to luk-thung and mor lam—rely on a mix of live performance and digital distribution, the discussions could shape the country’s cultural economy for years to come. The core questions are now no longer only about novelty or convenience; they touch on authorship, fairness, and the very idea of what creativity means in a digital age.

Counterfeit goods remain a persistent hurdle across Southeast Asia, from bustling markets to fast-growing online platforms. In Thailand, policymakers and business leaders are racing to balance enforcement with protecting livelihoods and keeping trade flowing. New pressures from global partners and potential tariffs add urgency to reform efforts that touch health, prices, and Thailand’s standing in international commerce.

Research from regional outlets shows counterfeit networks thrive on familiarity and price sensitivity. Open-air markets and e-commerce alike lure buyers with variety and value, despite the risks. The World Health Organization and other authorities warn that fake products can threaten health and safety, underscoring the need for stronger IP protections and tighter border controls. In Thailand, authorities have stepped up enforcement while pursuing policy reforms to safeguard exports and encourage legitimate industry.

In the crowded alleyways of Southeast Asia’s cities, the trade in counterfeit goods—designer handbags, watches, electronics, and even medicines—continues to thrive despite mounting international pressure and legal crackdowns. The latest developments have put the region squarely in the sights of the United States, which is threatening punishing tariffs on countries it believes are complicit in the flow of illicit goods. These moves, while targeted at protecting intellectual property and domestic industries, risk triggering broad economic and social consequences across Thailand and its neighbors.