The Thai government has recently emphasized the importance of copyright protection for traditional elephant-patterned trousers, a popular souvenir from Thailand, that are locally manufactured.

Wutthikrai Leeviraphan, the Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, stressed that the unique elephant designs featured on these pants are protected under copyright laws, prohibiting their commercial reproduction or alteration. He has further mentioned that preliminary assessments have recognized elephant-patterned pants as exemplary representations of Thai craftsmanship.

In collaboration with the Customs Department, the Intellectual Property Department is intensifying efforts to scrutinize suspicious imports at Thailand's borders, extending beyond elephant-patterned pants to encompass other copyrighted designs like the Korat cat and the Mae Klong mackerel patterns will also be monitored closely.

Penalties for copyright infringement vary, ranging from fines of 20,000 to 200,000 baht. In cases of commercial infringement, individuals may face imprisonment for six months to four years, fines ranging from 100,000 to 800,000 baht, or a combination of both.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Daniel Greif

South East Asia Director

[email protected]

+6621172272