Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) has clarified the legal protection surrounding the “Lampang chicken bowl” geographical indication (GI) following the appearance of similar-looking ceramic products in the market.

The DIP said the registered GI name and Thai GI logo may only be used in accordance with legal requirements. It also encouraged consumers to verify GI identification when buying Lampang chicken bowls to support local producers and preserve the province’s ceramics tradition.

A GI rooted in Lampang’s ceramic heritage

According to DIP director general Auramon Supthaweethum, Lampang’s chicken-bowl industry dates back to around 1957, when high-quality kaolin deposits suitable for ceramic production were discovered in Chae Hom district.

Members of the Chinese community later established Lampang’s first ceramics factory and introduced pottery-making techniques that eventually became part of the province’s local craft tradition.

The “Lampang chicken bowl” was granted GI registration in 2011. Its distinctive characteristics, quality and reputation are tied to Lampang’s geographical conditions and traditional production expertise.

The GI registration covers ceramic tableware made within Lampang province and requires producers to follow specified production standards.

Traditional materials and techniques define the product

Authentic Lampang chicken bowls must use locally sourced kaolin mixed with black clay and other materials, including feldspar and silica sand. The resulting clay body is designed to be sufficiently flexible during production while retaining its strength and shape.

The bowls are formed using jiggering machines and finished with knives and sponges. They are then dried or initially fired at about 800 degrees Celsius.

The signature designs are applied by hand, featuring a chicken alongside a banana tree and peony. After painting, the bowls are coated with a glaze made from materials including feldspar, silica sand, kaolin and limestone.

The pieces undergo a final firing at temperatures of around 1,200 to 1,250 degrees Celsius for six to nine hours. The process produces the bowls’ characteristic creamy-white appearance while helping preserve the colour and durability of the painted designs.

GI logo indicates certified products

The DIP said there are currently about 10 Lampang chicken-bowl producers, with annual production capacity of around 2,600 pieces.

Producers must establish a quality-control system and pass an assessment by an inspection committee before they can display the Thai GI logo on their products or packaging. Authorization is valid for two years, after which producers must undergo another assessment to renew their use of the logo.

The certification system is intended to assure consumers that products meet established quality standards and can be traced to their designated place of production.

GI name and logo have separate legal protections

Auramon stressed that the legal protection of the Lampang chicken bowl covers two distinct elements: the registered GI name and the Thai GI logo.

Under Thailand’s Geographical Indications Protection Act BE 2546 (2003), the GI system seeks to prevent consumers from being misled about the geographical origin of products and protects registered GI names when used under the prescribed conditions.

The Thai GI logo, meanwhile, is separately protected under the Trademark Act BE 2534 (1991).

Using the name “Lampang chicken bowl” on products that are not produced in the designated area or do not comply with the registered production requirements may constitute an offence under the GI law. Violations can carry a fine of up to 200,000 baht.

Unauthorized use of the Thai GI logo may constitute an offence under trademark law, with penalties of up to four years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 400,000 baht, or both.

However, the DIP clarified that products featuring similar designs or patterns do not automatically violate GI law. If they do not use the protected GI name or logo and do not falsely claim to originate from Lampang, such products may fall outside the scope of the legislation.

The distinction highlights a limitation of current GI protection: the law primarily protects registered names and geographical-origin claims rather than the general appearance or design of a product.

Consumers urged to verify GI products

The DIP said consumer awareness remains important alongside enforcement.

Consumers are encouraged to look for the registered GI name and authorized Thai GI logo when purchasing Lampang chicken bowls. If the logo is absent or the product’s origin is unclear, buyers should check the product information before purchasing.

Consumers who encounter products using the Lampang chicken bowl GI name and suspect that they do not originate from the designated area or meet the registered standards can report the matter to a provincial commerce office or contact the DIP hotline at 1368.

The department said it can investigate complaints and coordinate with relevant consumer-protection agencies when necessary.

DIP works to strengthen the industry

Beyond enforcement, the DIP is supporting Lampang’s GI producers by helping expand market opportunities, increase product value and encourage the wider commercial use of GI products.

The department is also monitoring the availability of clay raw materials and coordinating with Lampang province and other agencies to prepare for potential supply challenges.

It is encouraging more eligible ceramic producers to join the GI system to broaden the producer base, strengthen local communities and improve the long-term competitiveness of Lampang’s ceramics industry.

The DIP said supporting authentic GI products can help sustain local producers and craftspeople while preserving the traditional knowledge, identity and economic value associated with the Lampang chicken bowl.

- Asia IP