Fearing that Lampang’s chicken bowls will be copied, preparing to use the law to protect them

The deputy director-general of the Department of Intellectual Property is concerned that Lampang chicken bowls will be copied both domestically and internationally. He is preparing to use the law to protect them, hoping to build on historical and cultural heritage, create jobs and generate sustainable income. Mr. Awat Wongswat, Deputy Director-General and Acting Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, revealed that 'Lampang Chicken Bowl' is an important product of Lampang Province with a long history. Thai-Chinese people have introduced the pottery culture to Lampang Province since 1957. When combined with high-quality white and black clay in the area, it resulted in the production of unique ceramics, resulting in 'Lampang Chicken Bowl', a work that reflects the meticulousness and creativity of Lampang craftsmen who draw chicken, peony, and banana tree patterns with unique craftsmanship. Lampang Chicken Bowl has therefore been registered as a Geographic Indication (GI) product to protect and promote valuable cultural heritage and community rights of Lampang Province to this day. However, after the GI registration in 2011, the department has continuously promoted the creation of added value for Lampang Chicken Bowl products in various dimensions, such as inviting world-famous Thai designers such as Mr. Tos (Mr. Panyawat Pitaksawan) to design applied chicken patterns and packaging as an innovative design that makes Lampang Chicken Bowl diverse in terms of style and customer base. With the product quality that is widely accepted and the push from all relevant agencies, the GI Lampang Chicken Bowl product has been able to generate income for more than 200 local households. Entrepreneurs are currently facing challenges, such as the shortage of local white and black soil resources, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of Lampang Chicken Bowl GI entrepreneurs. In addition, the direction of trade is highly competitive both domestically and internationally. Thai entrepreneurs must therefor e understand and adapt to the situation, which the department is fully prepared to support, both in terms of further developing product quality and building a strong product brand to build on historical and cultural heritage, create sustainable jobs and income, along with serious law enforcement. Using the name 'Lampang Chicken Bowl' or using the name of a registered geographical indication to sell products improperly is considered a violation of the geographical indication, which is subject to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand baht. If the public finds the sale of products violating the geographical indication, they can report it via the website www.ipthailand.go.th under the service topic 'Reporting Intellectual Property Infringement' or by calling the hotline 1368, etc. Source: Thai News Agency