The government yesterday launched the first-ever IP Mart, an intellectual property e-marketplace, aiming to promote the commercial use of existing copyrights, patents and geographical indications (GIs).
According to Deputy Commerce Minister Chutima Bunyapraphasara, the IP Mart at www.thaiipmart.com will function as the central website for innovative Thai products, patents, petty patents and GIs.
Inventors, investors and entrepreneurs who are interested in creative ideas or innovative products are eligible to buy from or develop businesses for the owners of IP rights.
"This offers a good venue for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs who have good ideas and innovations to sell their ideas or IP products," Ms Chutima said.
The website initially features more than 600 IP-related items that are ready to be purchased and presents creative ideas that support the 10 new S-curve industries, such as biochemicals and biofuels, being promoted by the government.
"Those who are interested in buying IP products can now immediately propose their purchase and secure a deal via IP Mart," Ms Chutima said. "But for innovative ideas or prototype products, potential buyers have to contact the owners and negotiate themselves the right or licence purchase."
According to Ms Chutima, the Commerce Ministry expects transactions made through the website of at least 50 million baht.
In a related development, the Intellectual Property Department yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with related government agencies working on innovation, scientific research and development.
The agencies involved, including the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, will help strengthen the country's innovative supply chains, R&D, IP rights and commercial use of existing IP.
To promote trading, the Commerce Ministry set up Thaitrade.com, Thailand's first official B2B (business-to-business) e-marketplace, seven years ago, featuring more than 200,000 products and attracting 2.15 million foreign visitors.
The Commerce Ministry in 2016 launched Thaitrade.com Sook (small order OK), a B2C (business-to-consumer) extension of Thaitrade.com.
