Legal and Tax Updates

MOC’s Notification on Filing Requirements for Letter of Importation of Trademarked Goods

On 24 December 2019, the Ministry of Commerce (“MOC”) issued a notification on the filing and recording of letter laying out the specific models for exclusive importation and distribution of trademarked goods. This new notification aims to inform to trademark owners and distributors with exclusive import and distribution rights that they must file and record with the MOC a letter laying out the specific models that they are authorized to import and distribute.

For new trademark owners and distributors with exclusive import and distribution rights, the specific list of goods and models can be provided as annex in short-form agreement of exclusive importation and distribution and submit to record with the MOC. If they have already filed an exclusive importation and distribution agreement, then trademark owners and distributors can file an updated letter, including a specific list of models.

The term of exclusive import and distribution license with the MOC is valid for two years, or for the validity period whichever is earliest expiry date as stated in the letter, the trademark registration certificate, or the permit to import. If the trademark owner and the distributor wish to renew the approval letter after expiration, they must do so no earlier than three months before the expiry date with a new valid letter of exclusive importation and distribution.

If you have any questions on how to comply with this requirement, please feel free to contact Ms. SORN Dysonyra (dysonyra.sorn@sithisak-lawoffice.com).