Different requirements
The invention must be new and industrially applicable but needs no inventive step. It covers products or processes, not external appearance.
Company registration services
Petty Patents (Utility Models) in Thailand
Thai petty patent (utility model): for new, industrially applicable inventions without an inventive-step requirement; 6 years, renewable twice for 2 years each.
Petty patents suit incremental improvements with short market lives. They register without prior substantive examination but can be examined or challenged later. This guide helps choose between a petty patent and a patent; outcomes are not assured.
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 |
No prior substantive examination
The DIP registers after formality checks; interested parties may request examination later, so verify novelty before enforcing.
Term and renewal
Six years from filing, renewable twice for two years each, up to ten years. File renewals before expiry.
One form per invention
The same invention cannot hold both a patent and a petty patent, though conversion between application types is possible within set conditions.
Confidentiality before filing
As with patents, prior disclosure may destroy novelty.
Specification and claims
The description must be enabling; claims should cover features competitors would copy.
Questions before preparing an application
- How long does a petty patent last?
- Six years, renewable twice for two years each, up to ten years.
- Is an inventive step required?
- No; novelty and industrial applicability are required.
- Is it faster than a patent?
- Usually, as there is no prior substantive examination, but timing depends on the authority.
- Does it cover product shape?
- External appearance belongs under a design patent.
- Can I hold both types?
- Not for the same invention.
- 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.