The IP for Business Division (IPBD), WIPO and the WIPO Singapore Office (WSO), successfully launched the above program in Bangkok with support from the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global. Among the collaborative stakeholders for this event were the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries and the National Innovation Agency (NIA). A successful workshop kicked-off the IP Management Clinic (IPMC) which was held from March 10-13, providing support to 50 entrepreneurs from three pivotal industries: Food & Beverage (F&B), Creative Industries, and Health.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Kanitha Kungsawanich, Deputy Director General, Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, Thailand; Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director, National Innovation Agency (NIA) (Public Organization); Mr. Guy Pessach, Director, IP for Business Division (IPBD), IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector, WIPO and Ms. Thitapha Wattanapruttipaisan, Director, WIPO Singapore Office.
They underscored the critical role of intellectual property (IP) and intangible asset management in today’s fast-paced, competitive, and globalized market. Effective IP strategies are essential for businesses to protect their innovations, strengthen their market positioning, and drive long-term growth. The scaled-up IPMC program offers SMEs free, high-quality advisory services, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to navigate IP systems effectively. By optimizing their IP strategies, businesses can better align their innovations with their growth ambitions, both in domestic and international markets.
An Interactive Approach to IP Strategy
The 2025 edition of the IPMC incorporated additional elements to enhance participant engagement. A standout feature was the interactive IP strategy game, designed to simulate real-world IP decision-making.
- Participants were given a limited budget and had to choose the most strategic combination of IP rights based on their company profile.
- The game encouraged discussion, strategic thinking, and peer learning in small roundtable groups.
- Expert facilitators guided the discussions, ensuring insights were practical and relevant to business needs.
The game was played after a set of substantive presentations including:
- Expert-led discussions on IP and business strategy by leading professionals, including Mr. Franck Fougere, Managing Partner, Ananda Intellectual Property, Thailand; Mr. Winston Chan, Group Managing Partner, FT Consulting Pte Ltd, Singapore; Mr. Pollawat Suppattarasaet, Partner (Attorney at Law), ILAWASIA; and Ms. Suyada Egberts, Co-founder (Attorney at Law), Kemberts. These discussions provided SMEs with critical insights into leveraging IP effectively for business growth.
- Panel discussions featuring key government officials and industry experts, including Mr. Therdtum Thaivest, Trade Officer, Senior Professional Level, Department of Intellectual Property of Thailand; Mr. Pariwat Wongsamran, Deputy Executive Director of Innovation System, National Innovation Agency; and Ms. Pichamon Chantarapakdee, Director of International Operations (Attorney at Law), Intellectual Design Group. The panel also welcomed insights from Mr. James Cheah, TikTok Shop Brand & IPR Protection, External Affairs SEA. Together, the panelists explored how government institutions, legal experts, and online platforms can support entrepreneurs in safeguarding and monetizing their intellectual property in an increasingly digital and competitive marketplace.
- Case studies from key Thai industry players, offering practical insights into local IP strategies:
- Mr. Thiti Suwansak, Vice President of Cafe Amazon International Business Department, shared strategies on IP branding and international expansion.
- Jeannette Brüske Woelinga, General Manager Asia & Middle East, Elephant Parade provided insights into protecting creative assets and international licensing.
- Dr. Rosarin Rujananon, Managing Director, and VT Sweet & Food Innotech Co., Ltd, discussed the integration of IP into business development in the F&B sector.
Personalized Mentoring for IP-Driven Growth
Following the initial workshop, 24 SMEs were selected for intensive one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Experts helped businesses:
- Identify key intangible assets and optimize IP portfolios.
- Develop structured strategies for commercialization and risk mitigation.
- Align IP approaches with business growth objectives, including international expansion.
Through direct engagement with industry-leading Thai and international experts, participants gained hands-on knowledge to elevate their IP strategies.
Real-World Business Impact
Throughout the mentoring sessions, SMEs sought expert guidance on pressing IP issues such as licensing, international trademarks, and protecting R&D innovations. Key questions included:
- A dietary supplement company seeking advice on licensing options and patent filing, including ownership considerations and IP strategy in China.
- A dried vegetable powder OEM supplier sought guidance on trademark registration and contractual agreements with partners to expand from supplying cafes/restaurants to entering the smoothie market in Japan, China, and the U.S.
- A medical device company (non-surgical hair growth stimulation device) strategized its international expansion through a Singapore-based entity for strategic benefits.
- A video game developer started to refine and differentiate IP strategies for commissioned work versus proprietary content.
After this first week of engagement, participating SMEs reported a clearer understanding of how IP can drive business competitiveness, brand strength, and market positioning.
The impact of the Bangkok IPMC will continue through August 2025, with ongoing mentoring sessions allowing SMEs to implement their refined IP strategies.