3D animation company Igloo Studio took part in a WIPO IP Management Clinic, helping them place IP at the heart of their business strategy.
At first glance, it might seem that art and intellectual property (IP) are polar opposites. The creative process cherishes freedom and personal expression; IP is grounded in legal requirements and formal agreements. The reality, however, is that the two make surprisingly effective allies.
The universal power of art – whether images, music, film or any other creative endeavor – makes it a prime target for copycats. The production of fakes or theft of ideas not only deprives artists of income, but diminishes the value and originality of the art itself. By granting creative outputs legal protection against such abuses, IP plays a vital role in supporting creative industries worldwide.
Bangkok-based animation production and creative content company Igloo Studio understands the importance of IP protection. Founded in 2007, the company combines Thai storytelling with contemporary animation to reach a growing international audience. “We place strong importance on telling original stories of our own – stories rooted in Thai culture, infused with creativity, and crafted in a way that international audiences can understand and enjoy,” explains Nuchanat Prathumsuwan (Nuch), Development Producer at Igloo Studio.
Securing IP Protection for Igloo Studio’s 3D animations
The studio is accumulating a significant portfolio of IP, such as titles, logos and characters, from the creation of its original content. Keen to capitalize on this important and growing asset, the company is creating a new division focused on IP licensing and commercialization. “Igloo Studio is looking to expand beyond our roots in the entertainment and animation industry,” says Nuch. “We saw an opportunity to leverage our expertise, turning what we already do best into a fully developed business avenue.”
The plan could prove highly successful for Igloo Studio – but it will require a clear understanding of IP. “As a company working with licensed IP, it’s important to continuously deepen our understanding of IP commercialization,” agrees Nuch. “We have built a solid foundation through hands-on licensing experience, but we recognize there is always more to uncover in how IP can truly work for a business.”
WIPO Guidance on Management of IP in Animation
by combining Thai storytelling with contemporary animation.
Photo: Igloo Studio
It was this mindset that led Igloo Studio to apply to take part in WIPO’s Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC), organized in 2025 by the IP for Business Division with the support from Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global. For the past five years, the IPMC has provided small and medium-sized enterprises like Igloo Studio with free, expert advice on IP management and commercialization. A highlight of the four-month course is the one-on-one mentorship with an IP professional, who works with participating companies to develop a bespoke plan to improve their IP protection and commercialization.
“The IPMC really broadened our perspective,” shares Licensing Manager Patcharawalai Nabhaboriraks (Mook), who attended the program with her colleague Kamonrose Mahattansomboon, an IP Producer at Igloo Studio. “Our mentor, Winston Chan from FT Consulting, deepened our understanding across many topics, from IP insights and business strategy to IP protection and beyond. The experience gave us a clearer picture of where we stand with IP and where we still have room to grow, and that kind of honest reflection is hard to find elsewhere.”
Animation licensing for merchandise and brand partnerships
Winston – a globally acknowledged authority on IP strategy – offered a range of tailored suggestions to help Igloo Studio capitalize on its IP and establish a dedicated IP licensing and commercialization division. This included registering trademarks for existing IP, such as titles, characters and logos, and exploring the possibility of patenting the studio’s proprietary animation processes.
He also encouraged the company to create a comprehensive IP commercialization plan for existing assets and characters, review and standardize IP ownership clauses in its service and partnership contracts, and formalize the role of IP Manager within the organization.
Winston considers this last step essential for Igloo Studio’s plans. “An IP Manager, supported by external professionals such as lawyers and consultants, will oversee IP strategies, contracts, licensing documents and enforcement mechanisms,” he notes. Not only will this identify commercialization opportunities, but – by strengthening and clarifying internal processes and definitions – it will also help deter copyright infringement. This is especially relevant for ‘soft’ IP assets like characters and narratives that may be difficult to protect by copyright alone.
IP at the heart of the animation studio’s strategy
Nuch and the team have been quick to act on Winston’s advice. “We’ve become much more aware when it comes to IP protection – from knowing when to put a non-disclosure agreement in place, to understanding copyright, to having more informed conversations with licensors about content protection,” she explains. “The IPMC has also encouraged a culture of learning within the team, where IP awareness is now part of how we work.”
Most importantly, the support from the IPMC has strengthened Igloo Studio’s creation of a new IP licensing and commercialization division. “Our goal is to grow sustainably, building a business where IP and licensing aren’t just functions, but the foundation of everything we do,” summarizes Mook. As the animation studio embarks on its next chapter, it provides a valuable illustration of the power of combining creative industry with IP protection.
