Music copyright in Thailand continues to play a vital role in protecting the creative and commercial interests of artists, producers, and businesses. On World Intellectual Property Day 2025, RWT reflects on the evolving legal landscape of music rights and emphasizes the importance of clearly defined ownership and royalty structures under Thai copyright law.

World Intellectual Property Day 2025

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

At RWT, we recognize the profound impact that intellectual property rights play in the realm of music as it hold an essential role in shaping human experience and creative expression.

On this World IP Day 2025, the focus has been placed on celebrating the creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs who bring music to life, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who shape our world through sound.

In Thailand, copyright protection arises automatically upon the creation of such work. However, at the corporate and commercial levels, it is imperative to clearly define the ownership structure of each musical composition. This includes specific considerations regarding royalty entitlements and the rights of reproduction, adaptation, and public disclosure. A single musical piece can consist of various independently copyrightable components, such as lyrics, melody, rhythm, and sound recordings, each deserving careful legal and contractual treatment under Thai law.

In the music industry, it is common to encounter co-ownership arrangements between recording labels and individual creators. To ensure transparency and equitable rights management, precise documentation, often maintained in an intellectual property portfolio, is essential. This not only delineates the respective shares in copyright but also helps prevent potential disputes by clarifying the legal and economic interests of all involved parties.

On this World IP Day, themed around celebrating the creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs who bring music to life, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who shape our world through sound.

Author

Rachadawan Kelar
Managing Partner
Email: rachadawan.k@rwtlaw.co.th
Mobile: +66 91 946 1456

Co-Author

Nattarika Ploykasem
Associate
Email: nattarika.p@rwtlaw.co.th
Mobile: +66 84 555 4711