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Thailand Expands the Scope of the ‘Target Patent Fast-Track’ Programme to cover “Green Innovation”

Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has taken a significant step toward promoting environmentally sustainable innovation by expanding the ‘Target Patent Fast-Track’ Programme for Invention and Petty Patent Applications (hereinafter “Application” or “application”) to include “Green Innovation”. Originally launched on 8th December 2023, the programme initially focused on ‘Medical Sciences & Public Health’ and ‘Future Food’. Recognising the detrimental impacts of climate change, the DIP aims to mitigate these effects, advocate for sustainable consumption and production, and enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness in green technology. This expansion underscores Thailand’s commitment to fostering eco-friendly advancements.

Eligibility and Application

1. Eligibility: The programme is open to both Thai and foreign applicants.

2. Application Period: Requests for the Target Patent Fast-Track: Green Innovation can be filed between the 1st and 10th of each month, starting from January 2025.

3. Application Criteria:
o The Invention or Petty Patent Application must have been filed with the DIP for at least three months or have a substantive examination request filed.
o Applicants must submit evidence demonstrating that the invention has commercial potential and is ready for market use.
o The application must be filed in Thailand as the first country or use Thailand as the original country for filing a PCT Application.
o The application must contain no more than 10 claims.
o The application must be submitted via the DIP’s E-Filing System.
o All required documents must be fully and correctly submitted.

Conditions for Applications Under the ‘Target Patent Fast-Track: Green Innovation’ Programme

1. Response to Office Action: Applicants must respond to any Office Action within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in the application being moved back to the regular track examination process.

2. Opposition: If an opposition is filed against the application, it will return to the regular track examination process.

3. Conflicting Applications: If a prior application exists for the same invention filed by another applicant, the application will return to the regular track examination process.

4. Application Limitations:
o Each applicant is limited to one application per month.
o A maximum of 10 applications will be selected for the programme each month.

Conclusion

By expanding the ‘Target Patent Fast-Track’ Programme to include Green Innovation, Thailand demonstrates its dedication to addressing climate change and fostering a sustainable future. This initiative not only encourages the development of eco-friendly technologies but also positions Thailand as a leader in green innovation on the global stage.