Thailand targets proceeds of IP crime

Thailand has been threatening to use racketeering laws to target IP violators. On World IP day on 26th April, Thailand’s Commerce Ministry indicated that it has created an agency to target IP violators, called the Operations Centre for the Suppression of Intellectual Property Infringement. It still needs cabinet approval but then dozens of other agencies will be ordered to cooperate on IP investigations.  The names of IP infringers can be sent to the Operations Centre. They will verify their tax payment status and the Anti-Money Laundering Organisation (AMLO)may target their assets if profits comprise the proceeds of IP violation. Apparently the AMLO has already arrested a trader for infringing an apparel trademark and has seized 500,000 Thai Baht.