Thomas J. Treutler, partner and managing director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ Vietnam offices, was recently appointed co-chair of the IP Practice in the Far East Committee of AIPLA (American Intellectual Property Law Association). Thomas will serve a two-year term in this capacity, through October 2024. AIPLA, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2022, is a U.S.-based professional organization for intellectual property practitioners that provides professional support and promotes an effective and balanced IP system through advocacy, education, training, and community outreach. While the association’s primary constituency is American lawyers, AIPLA also welcomes international members and encourages the cross-border exchange of information on IP practices. The IP Practice in the Far East Committee, in particular, is a resource, forum, and network for AIPLA members interested in the IP laws and systems of Asian countries. In his role as co-chair, Thomas will help the committee build relationships with IP associations in countries in east Asia, including Vietnam, and provide research reports on the local IP laws and practices of those countries, while also sharing information on U.S. IP law and practice.

On December 8, Tilleke & Gibbins’ dispute resolution team in Bangkok delivered an in-person seminar on employment law at Latkrabang Industrial Estate. The event provided key legal updates on employment conditions and termination of employment. The first part of the presentation, which focused on employment conditions, was delivered by Chusert Supasitthumrong, partner and director of the firm’s dispute resolution department. During the session, he explained the scope of labor law in Thailand and shared ways employers can effectively change employment conditions and terms of employment.  He also touched upon labor disputes, submission of claims, negotiations, strikes and lockouts, and unfair termination and practices. The second topic, presented by Piyawat Vitooraporn, an associate of the same department, covered key considerations on termination of employment, including potential consequences, statutory termination payments, possible sanctions, and principles of unfair termination. This session at the Latkrabang Industrial Estate was part of a series of trainings and seminars that Tilleke & Gibbins’ employment specialists are organizing at industrial estates in Thailand to increase companies’ understanding of Thailand’s employment laws and the benefits of complying with these regulations.

Suebsiri Taweepon, a partner in Tilleke & Gibbins’ intellectual property group in Bangkok, was elected president of the Intellectual Property Association of Thailand (IPAT) when the association’s board members convened an online voting session to select new leadership. Suebsiri was the unanimous choice of the 15 board members of IPAT. As president, Suebsiri will guide IPAT in setting its program of seminars and events related to current developments in intellectual property in the country. He will also represent the association and provide oversight in relation to IPAT’s participation in regional and international initiatives. Established in 1972, IPAT is a leading intellectual property association in Thailand, and Tilleke & Gibbins has played an active role in the ongoing development of the group for many years. Darani Vachanavuttivong, managing partner of Tilleke & Gibbins and managing director of the firm’s intellectual property practice, served on IPAT’s board from 2001 to 2019 and was president of the association from 2005 to 2009.

On November 17, Tilleke & Gibbins’ employment team in Bangkok continued its outreach to companies at Thai industrial estates by leading an employment law seminar at Hitech Ayutthaya industrial estate. Chusert Supasitthumrong, partner and director of Tilleke and Gibbins’ dispute resolution department in Bangkok commenced the first session by going over the basis of changing employment conditions and agreements according to the Labour Protection Act, conditions and requirements for strikes and lockouts, and illustrating the issues with case studies from his experience. The second presentation was delivered by Piyawat Vitooraporn, an associate from the same department. Piyawat covered termination of employment in Thailand, detailing potential legal consequences of terminating employees, statutory termination payments, and unfair termination. This session at Hitech Ayutthaya industrial estate is part of a series of trainings and seminars that Tilleke & Gibbins’ employment specialists are organizing at industrial estates in Thailand to increase companies’ understanding of Thailand’s employment laws and the benefits of complying with these regulations.