‘Nene Royal’ trademark bid withdrawn after outcry

A woman who filed a trademark application for the name of teen rocker Nene Royal has withdrawn it, the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) said on Monday, following public criticism over her right to register the artist’s name.

DIP director-general Jittima Srithaporn said the applicant, Kanyaphat Ponchaisri of Chiang Mai, withdrew the application through the department’s online system on Oct 19.

The official logo from the Nene Royal website (top) versus the trademark filed by Ms Kanyaphat (bottom).

Ms Kanyaphat had said she wanted to give the name to the America’s Got Talent (AGT) winner as a gift and did not intend to seek commercial gain. In a statement dated Oct 18, she apologised to the singer’s family and fans, sauing she acted to protect the name after learning that the artist’s T-shirt designs were being copied.

Despite the withdrawal, the DIP is preparing to ask her to explain her connection to the singer or submit evidence that the owner of the name authorised the filing.

The department is also handling a separate application from Black Lotus Global, the US company that manages the 16-year-old singer’s international career. It was filed in Thailand on Sept 11 and covers audio files, clothing and apparel.

The DIP will use its Fast Track process to check whether the mark is identical or similar to existing trademarks, with a decision expected within six months.

A screenshot from the Department of Intellectual Property website shows one application (left) to register the Nene Royal trademark only for printed T-shirts. Black Lotus Global (right) has applied for music recordings, clothing and live musical performances.

Nene Royal, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy, was crowned the AGT winner in September. The 16-year-old rocker has captivated global audiences with her raw talent, having taught herself guitar at the age of seven and honed her skills at Naka Night Market, Phuket, before skyrocketing to international fame through her powerful rock performances on the AGT stage, where she earned a Golden Buzzer and delivered renditions of classic rock anthems.