Thailand Remains on USTR Watch List

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On April 30th, 2021, the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced the USTR 2021 Special 301 Report (the “Report”). In the Report, Thailand remains on the USTR trade Watch List.??This is a list that specifies countries that have significant issues addressing intellectual property violations.?

Although the USTR acknowledged the Thai Government, as well as other relevant Thai authorities, are working together to combat infringements of intellectual property in Thailand, the report highlights numerous infringing goods are still available in the Thai markets. Therefore, the USTR would like Thailand to keep improving its enforcement practices and reduce the number of infringements occurring in the Thai markets.

The Thai Ministry of Commerce has been working to protect intellectual property rights and eliminate the large numbers of both online and offline intellectual property infringements. The report found many counterfeits and pirated goods have been seized in Thailand.??Also, the report noted,?Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ministry of Commerce mentioned Thai?entities have been working diligently to improve intellectual property enforcement.?Mr. Jurin gave credit to all relevant Thai entities, both in the Thai Government and in the private sector, for addressing intellectual property infringements.

In conclusion, the USTR found Thailand has been increasing efforts in addressing intellectual property infringements according to the terms of the bilateral US-Thailand Trade & Investment Framework Agreement.?

The Thai Government will work closely with the USTR to implement and develop Thailand’s strategies to remove Thailand from the watch list as soon as possible.?

By,?Narisara Jessica Sangiumpun, Associate - S&O IP - Thailand

Daniel Greif, Director S&O IP Southeast Asia, Senior Trademark Attorney

(From: S&O IP – Thailand)