Akkaraporn Muangsobha is a Partner at Rajah & Tann (Thailand) Limited (“R&T“). He mainly focuses on the practice area of intellectual property (“IP“).

Akkaraporn joined R&T in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience in IP law. Before joining R&T, he amassed over 15 years of expertise at various prominent law firms in Bangkok, advising both Thai and international clients on a multitude of IP matters. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of issues in this field, ranging from the intricate processes of trade mark registration, patent filing, and industrial design protection, to the complexities of copyright law. Additionally, he is skilled in providing strategic brand advice and legal guidance in relation to a wide array of IP and entertainment law.

Akkaraporn’s experience spans industries, having handled complex IP challenges and managed extensive IP portfolios in the fashion, F&B, mobile phone sectors and provided legal counsel to major hotel chains internationally. In the automobile industry, his notable contribution in a matter involved advising one of the leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers on a trade mark dispute in Thailand where he successfully combatted a trade mark squatter who had registered trade mark in bad faith.

With his steady commitment to supporting SMEs in Thailand, Akkaraporn actively contributes to efforts that nurtures a deeper understanding of IP rights among these local businesses, and assists them in protecting their innovative ideas and creative works.

Akkaraporn’s exposure to clients across the globe, including China, Japan, the USA, and Germany, among others, has endowed him with a comprehensive perspective on business cultures and legal systems, enabling him to offer well-rounded, culturally sensitive legal advice. Known for his collaborative nature, Akkaraporn works closely with his clients to align his legal advice with their business objectives. His fluency in Thai and English also aids in navigating different legal environments.

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising a Chinese technology company in various design prosecution matters in Thailand.
  • Advising a leading fashion company based in Luxembourg for their trademark portfolio in Thailand.
  • Advising and representing a leading US hotel in defending their trademark rights against a local Thai hotel in Phuket.
  • Advising and representing an Israeli manufacturer of irrigation equipment in a trademark infringement enforcement and lawsuit.
  • Advising and representing a leading US outlet mall in providing trademark strategy to secure the registration.
  • Advising one of world’s largest manufacturers of gloves in patent prosecution in Thailand.
  • Advising and representing a Japanese camping gear company in a passing-off action.
  • Advising and representing a leading UK automobile company in defending their trademark rights against a local Thai company.
  • Advised on industrial design prosecution related to mobile phones for a prominent Chinese technology firm, navigating complex intellectual property landscapes in Thailand.
  • Advised on regulatory compliance for software licensing agreements within Thailand’s technology sector.
  • Formulated and executed a strategic legal response to a trademark squatting issue in Thailand on behalf of a leading Chinese battery electric vehicle manufacturer.
  • Counseled a German technology enterprise based in Thailand on intellectual property right licensing for its subsidiary, ensuring alignment with local and international law.
  • Guided a Germany-based central heating product manufacturer through the intricacies of patent and industrial design prosecution in the Thai market.
  • Advised on copyright issues to a Thai film production house, aligning their operations with prevailing intellectual property laws.
  • Collaborated with one of the world’s top streaming service companies on a film production project in Thailand, providing legal consultation.

MEMBERSHIPS / DIRECTORSHIPS

  • Patent Attorney
  • Member, International Trademark Association (INTA)
  • Member, Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA)

PUBLICATIONS

  • Contributor, “The Copycats Are Coming for China’s Hit Brands”, The Wall Street Journal (Feb 2024)
  • Contributor, “Navigating the Intersection of AI and Art: Copyright Challenges and Commercial Implications”, Lexology (Feb 2024)
  • Contributor, “Intellectual Property Newsletter: 2023 – 2024”, Lexology (Feb 2024)
  • Contributor, “Regional Round-Up 2023 (Year in Review Edition): Thailand”, Lexology (Feb 2024)

Location(s)

Practice Area(s)

Qualifications

  • LLB, Assumption University
  • JPO/JPR training course for trademark experts from Japan Patent Office, 2014

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