Thailand streamlines patent examination process for green technologies

Environmentally sustainable inventions in Thailand can now benefit from an accelerated patent examination process, marking a leap forward in the country’s intellectual property landscape. The Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has established the Target Patent Fast-Track Programme, which offers expedited preliminary and substantive examinations for selected patent and petty patent applications in the field of green technology at no extra cost to applicants. The programme took effect on December 15 2024.

The initiative, which was announced in the DIP Notification on the Expansion of Technological Fields under the Target Patent Fast-Track Programme on December 2 2024, welcomes applications from domestic and international innovators if the applications meet the criteria. This inclusive approach demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to fostering global collaboration in environmental innovation, while providing an equal opportunity to participate in the accelerated route.

For selected applications, the programme promises remarkably shortened processing times, representing a major improvement over standard examination timelines. Applicants can expect their first office action within six months during the preliminary examination. Following publication, a first office action would be issued within 12 months in the substantive examination phase. These accelerated timeframes are designed to bring environmentally beneficial technologies to market more quickly, potentially expediting the adoption of sustainable solutions across various industries.

The DIP formally began accepting requests for selection to participate in the programme on January 1 2025, with several limitations in place for a fair and manageable implementation. Individual applicants are restricted to submitting one application per month to the fast-track programme, since multiple applications from the same applicant cannot be selected. The DIP will announce successful applications on the 5th of each following month. No more than 10 applications will be selected monthly for participation in the expedited route. These restrictions help to maintain the programme’s efficiency and promote diverse participation across the innovation ecosystem.

The qualifying criteria for the programme have been conceived to balance accessibility with practical requirements. These include:

• A minimum three-month filing period with the DIP for patent or petty patent applications, or an existing substantive examination request for patent applications;

• A maximum of 10 claims per application throughout programme participation for streamlined examinations;

• Initial filing of applications must have been completed electronically in Thailand or through Thailand’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Receiving Office, promoting digital efficiency;

• The submission of a request form explaining the rationale for programme participation, with supporting documentation limited to four A4 pages; and

• Request forms must be submitted via the DIP’s e-filing system between the 1st and 10th of each month, facilitating organised processing.

The programme reflects Thailand’s dual commitment to environmental innovation and economic growth in an increasingly competitive global market. Fast-tracking green technology patents allows the DIP to position Thailand as a leader in sustainable development through fostering technological progress that is advantageous to the environment and the economy. The programme aligns with international trends towards prioritising environmentally conscious innovations, and proactively addresses global environmental challenges through Thailand’s intellectual property policy.

Moreover, the strategic initiative signifies the continuing modernisation of Thailand’s patent system. This positive step highlights the country’s ability to adapt its intellectual property framework to meet contemporary needs. By expediting traditional bureaucratic procedures for green technology applications, the programme not only benefits patent and petty patent applicants but also contributes to Thailand’s broader goals of sustainable development and technological advancement in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

The DIP’s decision to implement this programme without additional official fees underlines Thailand’s dedication to making sustainable innovation more accessible and attractive to inventors and businesses of all sizes. The cost-neutral incentive lowers the barriers that financial considerations may pose to participation in the expedited process, potentially encouraging inventors to focus their efforts more on the creation of innovative green technologies.