Confusion has arisen over trademark applications for the stage name of Thai teen rocker Nene Royal, after a woman whose connection to the America’s Got Talent winner is unclear filed to register the name and logo — even before the artist’s managing company.
Two applications to register the same name were listed as pending consideration on the Thai Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) website on Saturday.
One was filed on Sept 11 by Black Lotus Global, a US company that manages the international music career, commercial activities and official website of the 16-year-old guitarist and singer, whose real name is Rattikarn “Praew” Amloy.
The other was filed on July 21 by Kanyaphat Ponchaisri, just two weeks after Nene Royal’s electrifying audition for America’s Got Talent 2026 made her an overnight celebrity.
Ms Kanyaphat posted a screenshot of the department’s website showing her application, with the caption: “Registered it for my daughter, a gift for winning AGT. Nene Royal.”
In a separate post, she claimed that Jon Elron, the American businessman who heads Black Lotus Global, had responded positively to her actions. However, no other details were provided.
In a statement released later on Saturday, the DIP said it was asking the applicant to provide further information and evidence, including proof of authorisation to use the Nene Royal name.
Mr Elron first came across 12-year-old “Praew” busking in Phuket while on holiday there with his wife. Sensing her potential, he later approached her family and became the prime mover behind attempts to encourage Nene to audition for America’s Got Talent.
He has set up a legal structure covering all aspects of the Nene Royal business and has applied to trademark the Nene Royal name with the US Patent and Trademark Office. That application is also pending. (Story continues below)
As 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 music performances.
‘To protect her’
In Thailand, social media has been abuzz with questions about Ms Kanyaphat and her motivations. In response to an online question about whether she had applied to register the trademark on the artist’s behalf, she replied: “Yes, to protect her.”
Her response prompted further questions from fans about her identity, her relationship with the Phuket-born artist and whether she had formal authorisation from her family to file the application.
According to information on the DIP website, Ms Kanyaphat resides in San Sai district in Chiang Mai. Her online presence also suggests that she is the chief executive of a Thai herbal products brand called KAAN.
For Nene Royal’s fans, there is concern about whether the competing applications could lead to future disputes over the use of the name or potential commercial benefits, as official merchandise bearing the young artist’s name is available for sale on her official website, Neneroyal.com.
DIP response
Responding to the concerns raised by the public, the DIP said applications would be assessed in accordance with the law, and those involving unauthorised use of a famous person’s name in bad faith could be rejected.
“If a celebrity’s name is used in a trademark application without the owner’s consent, and the circumstances suggest an attempt to misappropriate rights or exploit another person’s reputation in bad faith, the Department may reject the trademark registration,” director-gereral Jittima Srithaporn said in a statement.