Global IP Champion: Dr. Orakanoke Phanraksa
Throughout recent years, Thailand’s sustained and systematic efforts on intellectual property (IP) enforcement across public and private sectors have garnered attention from the global community. By coordinating the advancement and enforcement of robust IP rights, Thailand is steadily paving the way in Southeast Asia and around the world. This is no doubt in part thanks to the meaningful work done by IP champions like Dr. Orakanoke Phanraksa.
Dr. Phanraksa is an accomplished researcher and consultant. As one of the leading IP experts in Thailand, her efforts have been instrumental in expanding her country’s international connectivity and promoting the ability of Thai professionals’ to work effectively within their fields. Dr. Phanraksa’s commitment to elevating the role of intellectual property in Thailand is why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center has chosen her as one of our 2019 Global IP Champions.
Since receiving her PhD from the University of Washington in 2005, Dr. Phanraksa has been instrumental in developing Thailand’s IP sector into what it is today. Currently the Senior IP Consultant at the Technology Licensing Office (TLO) within the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in Thailand, Dr. Phanraksa manages the Intellectual Property Policy Group. Dr. Phanraksa helps ensure that the government and the private sector are working hand in hand to protect consumers and IP rights holders in order for innovation and creativity to underpin the Thai economy more broadly. Dr. Phanraksa also supports the TLO’s work promoting innovation and disseminating research within Thailand.
Dr. Phanraksa also works to connect the NSTDA with various international organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization, Licensing Executive Society International, AUTM, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Her most recent project involved developing the national plan to promote IP professionals in higher education and research institutes in Thailand. This is to get University TLOs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) ready for the upcoming passage of the Bayh-Dole like Act of Thailand.
Describing herself as “a working ant collaborating with lots of other working ants to make change in the community,” Dr. Phanraksa lives this view. In addition to her work with the TLO, Dr. Phanraksa collaborates with many professionals across a variety of fields while supporting several projects and departments within Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation.
When discussing intellectual property in the context of developing countries, Dr. Phanraksa says, “I believe human capital is the most important element.” The many individuals that rely on strong intellectual property protections to economically and socially enrich Thai society are fortunate to have Dr. Phanraksa on their side. Dr. Phanraksa’s status as a leading IP professional has had an undeniable impact on her home country and its growing global presence.
The IP Champions awards, presented by the Global Innovation Policy Center, recognize leading innovators, creators, and the policymakers who support their work. Since 2013, the awards have been presented annually to honorees from around the world at a ceremony hosted by the GIPC in Washington, DC. The 2019 IP Champions Gala will take place on October 29, 2019. For more information, click here.
