Legal Problems on the Protection of New Type Trademarks: A Case Study of Invisible Signs
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Abstract
This research aims to study general concepts, ideas, and theories related to the protection of new type of trademarks; examine the criteria for protection under international agreements, foreign laws, and Thai law; analyse legal issues and impacts concerning the protection of invisible trademarks under the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 and propose appropriate guidelines for protection. The study focuses on scent marks, taste marks, and tactile marks. The findings reveal that protecting new types of invisible trademarks does not contradict trademark concepts and theories. However, Thailand has no urgent need to expand its scope of protection while lacking readiness, as the current Trademark Act already provides criteria and scope of trademark protection consistent with international standards. The researcher recommends amending the Trademark Act B.E. 2534 in terms of the definition of trademarks in Section 4, distinctiveness criteria in Section 7, and prohibited characteristics in Section 8. The trademark examination manual should also be updated. Furthermore, preparations should be made in terms of facilities, technology, tools, equipment, and personnel necessary for trademark registration examination. The capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs should also be developed to accommodate potential expansion of trademark protection in the future if necessary
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