Bangkok: Authorities have intensified their crackdown on online counterfeit goods, seizing items valued at over 104 million baht, and are implementing four strategic measures to disrupt the cycle of copyright infringement.
According to Thai News Agency, the government is advancing four mechanisms to combat counterfeit goods and online infringement, focusing on linking IP addresses and tracing money trails. Over the past seven months, 1,471 cases have been suspended. Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government is enhancing consumer and honest business protection against counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringement in online marketplaces. The Department of Intellectual Property is collaborating with rights holders and online platform providers to establish four key mechanisms. These include blocking websites and live streams containing infringing content, linking intellectual property data in real-time, developing guidelines for certifying stores that properly utilize their rights, and investigating financial transactions to expand investigations into the networks behind the infringement. From January to July 2016, related agencies apprehended 140 cases of online intellectual property infringement, seizing 322,077 items with an estimated damage value of 104,344,850 baht, and suspending the sale of 1,471 suspected infringing items on online platforms. This reflects an upgrade in enforcement from merely removing infringing goods from the market to preventing and disrupting the infringement cycle at its source.
Ms. Lalida explained that the collaborative approach focuses on four key areas. Firstly, blocking websites and live broadcasts containing copyrighted material, with the Department of Intellectual Property coordinating with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and related agencies to suspend or remove potentially illegal content. Secondly, developing a real-time API-based system to link intellectual property data with platforms, enabling quicker verification of information for screening stores and products. This system is still under development. Thirdly, developing a certification process for authorized stores, creating an "IP Verified" mark for those that pass intellectual property verification. Fourthly, upgrading legal proceedings from merely apprehending sellers to expanding investigations to the entire network, which involves coordinating with law enforcement and anti-money laundering units to trace financial transactions and link them to suppliers and other parties involved.
Ms. Lalida emphasized the government's goal for online marketplaces to be reliable places for consumers, without legitimate businesses being disadvantaged by counterfeit products. The approach involves detecting and suspending infringing transactions, connecting data for faster verification, tracing financial flows, and expanding investigations. Currently, the Department of Intellectual Property uses memoranda of understanding with online platforms and Notice and Takedown measures to address suspected infringements. Real-time data linking and the IP Verified approach are mechanisms for further development, with specific criteria and participating platforms to be defined before implementation.
Ms. Lalida further urged citizens and rights holders to report potential intellectual property infringements to the Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Division. Reporting channels include various platforms like Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, LINE, and Nex Gen Commerce. She advised checking store details and retaining proof of purchase when shopping online, while noting that the absence of an IP Verified mark does not necessarily indicate illegality, as certification guidelines are still being finalized.