Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. has announced the immediate resumption of full Nescafé operations and sales in Thailand, following a crucial order from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court. The ruling, issued on April 11, 2025, affirmed Nestlé’s exclusive rights to the “Nescafé” and “เนสกาแฟ” trademarks, effectively overturning a previous injunction and allowing the beloved coffee brand to return fully to the Thai market, much to the relief of consumers, retailers, and the extensive supply chain network.
Bangkok, Thailand – In a significant development for the Thai coffee market and the broader business community, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. confirmed on April 13, 2025, that Nescafé products are once again fully available for order and sale across the nation. This announcement follows a decisive legal victory affirming the company’s ownership and right to use its iconic Nescafé trademarks within Thailand.
The turning point came with an order issued by the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court under Black Case TorPhor 58/2568. Dated Friday, April 11, 2025, the court’s decision explicitly upholds Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.’s exclusive entitlement to utilize the widely recognized “Nescafé” name and its Thai counterpart, “เนสกาแฟ,” in connection with its registered coffee products. This ruling provides the legal foundation necessary for Nestlé to immediately restart its Nescafé business activities, which had faced disruption.
“In light of this positive outcome, we are pleased to announce that we will resume the full operation of Nescafé products for the Thailand market with immediate effect,” the company stated in its official media release. Nestlé has already begun informing its network of customers and trade partners that order processing for the complete range of Nescafé products has recommenced.
This development marks a swift reversal of fortunes for the brand in Thailand. The need for this clarifying court order stemmed from an earlier injunction issued by the Minburi Civil Court on April 3, 2025. While the specifics of the Minburi court’s initial ruling were not detailed in the latest statement, Nestlé highlighted the significant negative consequences it had begun to inflict. The company expressed pleasure with the new Intellectual Property Court order, emphasizing that it will “stop severe impacts on the small business operators, retailers, our suppliers and their employees in the Nescafé value chain.”
The temporary disruption, though brief, underscored the critical role Nescafé plays within the Thai economy. From the coffee farmers supplying the beans to the logistics providers, packaging suppliers, distributors, small shop owners, and larger retail chains, the Nescafé value chain supports a vast network of businesses and livelihoods. The previous injunction had cast uncertainty over this ecosystem, potentially affecting inventory management, sales revenue, and employment for numerous Thai businesses reliant on the popular coffee brand. Nestlé’s swift action in seeking legal affirmation and the subsequent positive ruling have averted a potentially damaging ripple effect throughout this supply network.
Consumers, too, are direct beneficiaries of this resolution. The court’s decision ensures that Thai coffee drinkers will once again have uninterrupted access to their preferred Nescafé products. As one of the leading and most recognized coffee brands in the country, Nescafé holds a significant market share and is a staple in many Thai households and workplaces. The resumption of normal operations guarantees continuity in product availability, variety, and the familiar taste that consumers have come to expect. Whether it’s the instant coffee mixes popular for their convenience or other variations within the Nescafé portfolio, the brand’s presence on store shelves is a sign of market stability returning.
Throughout this period, Nestlé emphasized its commitment to resolving the situation promptly while adhering strictly to legal protocols. “Following the Minburi Court order on 03 April 2025, Nestlé has been making all possible efforts to resolve the situation,” the company noted. The affirmation from the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court is seen by Nestlé as validation of its position and allows for the normalization of its operations.
The underlying dispute appears connected to contractual agreements and trademark usage rights, specifically involving Quality Coffee Products (QCP). Nestlé firmly stated its stance on the matter: “Nestlé confirms that we have always respected the rule of law and have strictly complied with the terms in the contract with Quality Coffee Products.” The company further alluded to a history of legal examination regarding its compliance, mentioning, “We have complete evidences of our compliance, and earlier we won the case at the International Court of Arbitration.” Significantly, Nestlé pointed out that Mr. Prayudh Mahagitsiri, along with family members and fellow QCP shareholders Mr. Chalermchai Mahagitsiri and Ms. Ausana Mahagitsiri, were personally present during the arbitration hearing session, suggesting a thorough prior review of the contractual relationship at an international level.
This latest court order in Thailand serves as a critical domestic affirmation of Nestlé’s trademark rights, seemingly reinforcing the findings of the previous international arbitration. The protection of intellectual property, particularly trademarks as vital brand identifiers, is paramount in the modern economy. Trademarks like “Nescafé” represent not just a name, but encapsulate years of investment in product quality, brand reputation, consumer trust, and marketing efforts. Disputes over such valuable assets can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting markets, impacting investment decisions, and affecting consumer confidence. The swift resolution through the specialized Intellectual Property and International Trade Court highlights the importance of dedicated legal mechanisms for handling complex commercial and IP-related issues efficiently.
Looking forward, Nestlé took the opportunity to express gratitude for the backing it received during this challenging, albeit short, period. “Nestlé would like to thank all consumers and stakeholders who have provided their support to Nescafé during this challenging time,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the company reaffirmed its long-term vision and dedication to the Thai market. Despite the recent legal hurdle, Nestlé’s commitment remains unwavering. “Nestlé is fully committed to Thailand and will continue to invest for the benefits of our customers, consumers, our employees, the farmers we work with and our business partners,” the company declared. This commitment extends beyond just commercial operations, reflecting Nestlé’s broader role as a major corporate citizen, employer, and partner in the local agricultural sector.
Nestlé, the world’s largest food and beverage company, has a significant presence globally, operating in 185 countries with 277,000 employees. Its corporate purpose focuses on “unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come.” The company boasts a vast portfolio of over 2,000 brands, including global giants like Nescafé, Nespresso, and Maggi, alongside local Thai favorites such as Bear Brand and Minéré mineral water. Its strategic focus emphasizes products that are “Good for You” and initiatives that are “Good for the Planet.” Founded over 150 years ago in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé’s longevity is built on adapting to market needs while maintaining core values.
The prompt resolution of the Nescafé trademark issue in Thailand allows Nestlé to refocus its efforts on this ongoing commitment, ensuring continued product innovation, sustainable sourcing practices (often involving partnerships with local coffee farmers), and contributing positively to the Thai economy and society. The return of uninterrupted Nescafé sales is not merely a corporate victory but a restoration of normalcy for countless consumers and businesses intertwined with this iconic coffee brand.
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