How to protect designs, molds, and trademarks when sourcing in Thailand. NNN agreements, DIP registration, and enforcement in 2026.

Thailand Sourcing: IP Protection & NDA Guide 2026

Thailand's IP framework is stronger than most emerging markets — the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is a functioning registry, and courts do enforce. But protection depends on filing locally, not relying on your home-country registration.

Register before you sample

Trademark — file with DIP; approx. 12–18 months to grant, but priority date is the filing date
Design patent — for product form (2D/3D); 10-year term
Utility patent — for mechanism; 20 years
Copyright — automatic, but registration helps enforcement

NNN vs NDA

A plain NDA is weak in Asia. Use an NNN:

Non-disclosure
Non-use
Non-circumvention

Draft in Thai + English, governed by Thai law, dispute resolution in Bangkok (either Thai courts or THAC arbitration). A US-law NDA is nearly unenforceable in Bangkok.

Mold and tooling ownership

Written mold ownership clause in the PO
Photograph the mold with serial numbers
Store a duplicate mold at a second factory (only for USD 10k+ tooling)
Add a mold-transfer clause: factory must ship mold on demand within 30 days

Practical countermeasures

Split BOMs across 2 factories so no one has the whole product
Use color/finish variants unique to your brand
Watermark technical drawings with the recipient's name
Register your brand on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop Brand Registry to shut down copycats fast

When infringement happens

DIP + Central IP & International Trade Court in Bangkok handle cases. Cease-and-desist through a Thai IP lawyer resolves ~70% before litigation.

FAQ

Is a US NDA valid in Thailand?

Generally no. Use an NNN agreement governed by Thai law with jurisdiction in Bangkok.

Should I register my trademark in Thailand?

Yes, before sending any samples or packaging artwork. Thailand is first-to-file.

Who owns the mold in Thailand sourcing?

Whoever the PO says. Always include an explicit mold-ownership and transfer clause.

Does TUSKO help with IP protection?

We coordinate with local Thai IP counsel for trademark filing, NNN drafting, and mold-ownership clauses.