Amended Anti-Money Laundering Act to include IPR violations
Producers of fake goods will soon face serious punishment under an amendment of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, which should be enforced this year.
Deputy Commerce Minister Natthawut Saikua said yesterday that the revision would include infringement of intellectual-property rights (IPR).
Under the law, assets of violators and unscrupulous businesses involved with illegal production and trading of goods would be seized. Last year saw about 50 such cases with more than Bt500,000 in alleged losses to legitimate businesses.
The amended act was recently passed by Parliament and is awaiting the royal signature.
After it is implemented, Thailand will have more efficient authority to suppress IPR violations.
The department recently launched the IPR Suppression Centre to boost cooperation between government agencies and the private sector in closely monitoring and investigating IPR breaches.
The government has declared 2013 the “Year of Intellectual Property Rights” to encourage people to reject pirated products.
The campaign will focus on schools and campuses with the message to say “No” to contraband goods.
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