Protected works
Literary works (including software), dramatic, artistic, musical, audiovisual, cinematographic, sound recordings, broadcasts and other literary, scientific or artistic works. Ideas and procedures as such are not protected.
Company registration services
Copyright and Copyright Notification in Thailand
Thai copyright arises automatically on creation; no registration is required. DIP copyright notification is only preliminary evidence, not proof of ownership.
Many believe a work must be “registered” to be protected, which is incorrect. This guide prepares creation evidence, assignments and notification for use in disputes.
Information for a scope review
| Topic | Starting information | Review question |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant and owner | Individual or entity and creators | Ownership and assignments |
| Subject matter | Mark specimen, drawings or specification | Scope of protection and novelty |
| Deadlines | Disclosure and foreign filing dates | Priority, opposition and renewal |
Notification is evidence, not a requirement
The DIP accepts copyright notifications without verifying ownership. They serve as preliminary evidence, but in a dispute courts still weigh actual creation evidence.
Keep creation evidence
Retain source files, drafts, version history, dates and contributors. For software, keep repository history and developer agreements.
Commissioned work and assignments
Ownership of commissioned or employee works depends on contracts and law. Put assignments or licences in writing.
Term
Generally the author’s life plus 50 years; some works or corporate authorship run 50 years from creation or first publication.
Use abroad
Thailand is a Berne Convention member, so works are protected in member states without re-registration, though enforcement follows local law.
Questions before preparing an application
- Must copyright be registered in Thailand?
- No. It arises automatically on creation.
- What does notification achieve?
- It provides preliminary evidence of the work and claimant, not proof of ownership.
- How long does copyright last?
- Generally the author’s life plus 50 years.
- Should a logo rely on copyright or a trademark?
- If used for goods or services, register it as a trademark too.
- Who owns freelancer work?
- It depends on the contract; use a written assignment or licence.
- How can I obtain the service charges?
- Send the details for scope review and request a written quotation. Department of Intellectual Property fees are shown separately at the published rates.
Official sources for requirement checks
- Department of Intellectual Property — guides, forms and official fees
- WIPO — Madrid, PCT and international treaties
General preparation guidance. Check current announcements and project facts before filing; eligibility and approval are not assured.