The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) is to create a QR code system so people can quickly verify the legitimacy of copyright property and copyright agents, according to deputy commerce minister, Weerasak Wangsupakitkosol.
He said the department has been ordered to draft new regulations to make it more convenient and faster for people to check information connected with copyright. This includes details about ownership, licence holders or even the copyright agency authorised to enforce laws in piracy cases.
The move is in response to case last month win which copyright agents in Nakhon Ratchasima tricked a 15-year-old student into making krathong floats featuring copyrighted cartoon characters.
She was then made to pay a 5,000-baht fine for copyright infringement, sparking widespread public anger.
Mr Weerasak said the online verification system should prevent a repeat of this incident.
"Officers can check it to find who is rights holder, and when the rights expires, while those accused of copyright infringement can check it to find details about the copyright agent," he said.
Mr Weerasak said the DIP will work harder to educate the public more about copyright protection, in a bid to reduce infringements.