Drama ends! The Department of Intellectual Property reveals the applicant for the trademark. NENE ROYAL has withdrawn the application. The original agency proceeds with a new registration expected by February 2027 and advises “Nene” to quickly register trademark and copyright protections.
Ms. Jittima Srithaporn, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed the case of an application for the trademark NENE ROYAL to seek protection, which caused a social media stir. The Department requested clarification about connections to “Nene,” the America's Got Talent champion. Recently, on 19 Oct 2026, the applicant withdrew the application online, and the registrar processed the withdrawal immediately. No further explanation is needed, and the application process for the NENE ROYAL trademark by this applicant is concluded. The applicant stated the registration was intended as a gift for the artist, without commercial intent.
The Department clarified that the application had not received protection as it was still under examination, so the applicant had no right to transfer or assign the trademark to others.
This case serves as an important example concerning the use of a famous person's name to register trademarks. Without proper authorization or clarification of connection, the application will be dismissed by law.
The Director-General advised that in Nene's case, artists can register various intellectual properties, including trademarks and copyright information, to prevent others from misusing their names for profit.
Additionally, Black Lotus Global LLC (USA), managing Nene's interests, has submitted two trademark applications for the words "NENE" and "NENE ROYAL" on 11 Sep 2026, covering three classes: Class 9 for music sound files, Class 25 for clothing and apparel, and Class 41 for music and entertainment services. The Department will check for similarity with previously registered trademarks. If none, the applications will proceed to publication. If no objections arise, registration will be granted within six months, around February 2027. These applications use the Fast Track system, enabling quicker registration and commercial use.
Regarding a NENE ROYAL trademark filed in South Korea since 2024 and registered on 5 Sep 2025 by the Republic of Korea, the Department will examine the product classes involved and the design or coined term details of NENE ROYAL to assess the situation.
If the South Korean registration affects the artist's business or commercial interests, the Department is ready to cooperate and advise the artist's management team on legal processes, including trademark cancellation requests and administrative measures, to fully protect Thai artists' rights overseas.
Moreover, the Department has instructed officials to use the Trademark Monitor system to closely watch for NENE ROYAL trademark filings in other countries. NENE ROYAL to prevent issues and safeguard Thai artists’ rights internationally.
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