Kingdom drags feet on IP awareness

David Llewelyn, deputy chairman and external director, said that although Thailand's trade is growing continuously, trade value could grow more steadily and significantly if Thai entrepreneurs paid more attention to IP rights by focusing on their own creativity and innovation.

"The country can no longer rely on copies as in the past as copying creates only a low and short-term income for the country. Thailand's economy is growing and business circumstances are changing from copying to innovation," said Llewelyn.

The global community will gradually increase the value of IP. The government should stimulate creativity and innovation and apply those qualities to IP to benefit real-life activities, he said, adding that Thailand would ensure its competitiveness with developed nations if it had an advanced education system to promote IP.

He pointed out that to create own-brand and value-added products is an efficient way to ensure sustainable economic growth into the future.

Sectors where Thailand has high potential with a focus on IP development are design, food and beverages, furniture and service businesses including spa and franchise businesses.

To create their own IP, Llewelyn suggested Thai businessmen think ahead before starting business by registering their own brand names and using creativity to add value to their products. Then enterprises must register their own copyrights and trademarks in the country and overseas to ensure IP rights protection internationally.

Although this creates higher expenses for businesses in the beginning, Llewelyn said that it would be worthwhile in the long run as the businesses could be sure that their creativity would be protected from violation.

"If you pay only Bt100 today for IP protection and innovation, it could help save thousands of baht tomorrow," he explained.

For instance, Red Bull, a well-known Thai energy drink brand, is now very successful internationally. This brand has received lifetime royalty fees for its licences.

To increase IP awareness and educate people to think positively on the subject, IP Academy Singapore will host the second global forum on intellectual property on January 8-9 next year.

More than 80 intellectual property expertise delegates from 25 countries will be speakers at the event, while about 500 visitors are expected to attend.