He said the protest note was sent to the China Trademark Office to voice Thailand’s concern over the recent registration of ‘Jin Zhentou’ (gold pillow) in China. This translates as ‘Monthong’ in Thai, which is the name of the most expensive and popular durian species of Thailand.
Thosapone said Monthong is known worldwide as Thai durian and as such, it cannot be registered as a trademark in China.
Englishnews.thaipbs.or.th reported how, with the Chinese registration, Thai traders and exporters wanting to use the word Monthong in Chinese to promote their durian products, could now possibly face lawsuits.
Thosapone said Thai authorities were checking details of the registration of the trademarking by the Chinese business operators to see if they would withdraw their application for registration, or if the registration has been officially permitted. In such a case, he said Thailand would ask the Chinese trademark officials to revoke the permit.
