Department of Intellectual Property issues an urgent alert after detecting a trademark registration similar to "Flying Turtle" in Vietnam through the Trademark Monitor project in the first quarter of 2026, promptly coordinating with the brand owner to file an opposition immediately, aiming to protect the potential of Thai SMEs in the global market according to the government's economic policy.
The Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, revealed progress on the Trademark Monitor project, which watches for foreigners exploiting Thai trademarks by improperly registering them abroad. Recently, it found a case of a trademark registration similar to the “Flying Turtle” trademark of Thailand in Vietnam. The department quickly coordinated with the Thai trademark owner to file an opposition in time, helping to strengthen protection and enhance the Thai brand’s competitiveness in the global market, in line with the government’s economic policy aimed at expanding opportunities and growth for small entrepreneurs and micro-businesses in the economy fairly and equitably.
Mrs. Oramon Sapthaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, stated that Mrs. Supachai Sutthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, places great importance on protecting Thai SMEs. She assigned the department to proactively implement intellectual property measures continuously to support the government’s 10+ policies, including the “SMEs Plus” trade policy that focuses on enhancing competitiveness and opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs through IP protection at home and abroad, alongside the “Trade Plus” policy which strengthens Thailand’s status and credibility on the world stage by enhancing economic security through international cooperation and intellectual property infringement prevention.
The Department of Intellectual Property has responded to this policy by intensifying the Trademark Monitor project, closely watching for improper foreign registration of Thai trademarks, targeting China and ASEAN markets which are key Thai trading partners. Monitoring occurs during the advertisement phase, which is the public announcement of trademark applications before registration by foreign IP offices. This phase allows anyone opposing the registration to file objections within 60 to 90 days depending on each country’s laws. When a trademark identical or similar to a Thai entrepreneur’s mark is detected in these countries, the department issues warnings so owners can file oppositions within the legal timeframe to protect their interests and support Thai entrepreneurs amid today's intense trade competition.
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Mrs. Oramon added that the department has conducted the Trademark Monitor project for the second consecutive year, with over 100 Thai entrepreneurs participating to receive one year of free monitoring and trademark registration alerts abroad. This year, the project started in December 2025. In the first quarter of 2026, it detected foreign applicants filing trademarks similar to the “Flying Turtle” trademark of Fort Corporation Public Company Limited of Thailand in Vietnam, specifically for vending machines and non-alcoholic beverages. The department promptly notified the trademark owner to file an opposition before the legal deadline, with legal experts providing close guidance on the opposition process.
According to 2025 statistics, the export market for Thai non-alcoholic beverages in the CLMV countries is valued at over 1.705 billion USD, with Vietnam accounting for 24% of Thailand’s potential export market share. This shows that the Trademark Monitor project not only reduces the risk of Thai entrepreneurs having their trademarks infringed and losing overseas markets but also serves as a vital mechanism empowering Thai businesses to confidently expand in target countries. The Department of Intellectual Property is committed to continuing this project to ensure Thai entrepreneurs and trademark owners receive effective commercial protection abroad and support Thailand’s economic advancement on the global trade stage.
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