Ex-post Evaluation

1. Background of the Project

The Thai government laid down the policy to enhance industrial property protection according to the Seventh Five-year National Economic and Social Development Plan (1991-1996). In order to implement the policy, the Thai government requested and the Japan government agreed to a project-type technical cooperation to establish an IPIC at DIP, MOC.

2. Project Overview

The IPIC was expected to have a computerized information system that would (i) improve the capability of DIP to examine applications of intellectual property (IP); and (ii) disseminate the IP information in Thailand. The Project provided equipment and trained counterparts in various aspects of IPIS, from formulation and operation to prior art searches¹ and dissemination of IP information.

1: Research to find if technological inventions have already been granted patent

(1) Overall Goal

Industrial property administration by DIP is modernized

(2) Project Purpose

The abilities of DIP regarding the utilization of industrial property information are enhanced.

(3) Output

a) Project operation unit will be enhanced; b) Necessary machinery and equipment are provided and well maintained; c) Counterparts are trained to able to construct, operate and maintain the Industrial Property Information System (IPIS); d) Counterparts are trained to be able to conduct “prior art searches” using the IPIS; and e) Counterparts are trained to be able to disseminate industrial property information using the IPIS.

(4) Input

Japanese side:

Thai side:

3-1 Summary of Evaluation Results

(1) Impact

• The overall goal of the IPIC Project has been achieved through the attribution of the project purpose and the realization of the project outputs effectively and efficiently with available inputs.
• The number of applications for patents and petty patents through the internet has increased considerably, about 10% per year, and the present figure is now double compared to that in 1995. Similarly, the number of granted patents was higher due to better processing by the IP Information System (IPIS).
• IPIS has encouraged internal and external users to conduct more prior art searches, patent examinations and researches, and the awareness of the public about the IP rights to avoid violations.

(2) Sustainability

• The Thai government emphasized the policy on IP information promotion and dissemination, and has continued to provide a budget of about Baht 3 million per year for operation of IPIS after Project termination.
• Internet technology with disc operation is used instead of Lease Line option with CD-ROMs. This has facilitated considerably the prior art searches, and searches, and patent examination and processing.
• Budget allocation from 2003 to 2005 for upgrading and enhancement of the equipments has been approved.

3-2. Factors Promoting Sustainability and Impact

(1) Factors concerning Planning

• The IPIC Project was based on the needs of users and the Thai government’s policy on IP promotion, examination and dissemination.
• The Project encouraged more utilization of IP information of IPIC from the IP examiners, public, IP Association, Law offices, researchers, lecturers and external users.

(2) Factors concerning the Implementation Process

• Most of the trained staff remain at DIP and perform IP related work and provide a good service in line with the increasing demand.
• The Thai government continues to provide a budget for operation and emphasis is given to the promotion of IP examination and dissemination. No major organizational changes occurred at DIP.
• Available IP information helped to accelerate considerably the applications, and granting of patents and petty patents.
• Clients are familiar with IPIS and use more of the services provided by IPIC.

3-3. Factors inhibiting Sustainability and Impact

(1) Factors concerning Planning

• IT is fast changing, planning for equipment should take into consideration the prospect of technological evolution in 10 to 20 years ahead.

(2) Factors concerning the Implementation Process

• The IPIS database contains mainly Thai IP information, while details of foreign information, especially those for both Thai and foreign petty patents, are limited compared to the demands.
• Equipment is outdated and operation is slow, therefore, DIP could not cope with the increasing demands by both internal and external users of the IPIS. In addition, the Patent Office was faced with a limited number of staff.
• Slow government procurement process and goods delivered by low-cost option were not always satisfactory and posed constraints on the implementation.

3-4. Conclusions

• The IPIC Project is considered relevant, effective, efficient, and sustainable, with high impact on the promotion and inspection of patents in accordance with the related Thai policy. It also encourages IP utilization by both internal and external users, whose demands have increased considerably since 1995. The IPIC Project faced certain problems but it managed to overcome most of them.
• IPIS should be upgraded periodically with advanced technology and high-speed equipment, taking into account future IT evolution.

3-5. Recommendations

• More IP information on petty and foreign patents should be stored in the IPIS and made available to users. More training on advanced IT should be given to DIP staff and more staff should be assigned to work on IPIS, especially at the Patent Office, to cope with the increasing demands.
• A database containing relevant Project documents and reports, data and information should be established at JICA Thailand Office and DID for easy reference and monitoring. In addition, the Project’s Annual Reports should be prepared to keep trace of all relevant activities and operations. Mid-term Review is also recommended.

3-6. Lessons Learned

• A user friendly and dynamic IPIS with more analytical tools and flexibility in updating (every 5 years for example) should be designed for similar project(s).

3-7. Follow-up Situation

• N/A