Department of Intellectual Property Clarifies Copyright Status of Hlun Solo’s YouTube Content

On July 30, 2026, Oramon Sapthaweetham, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), addressed the copyright status of YouTube videos created by the late Hlun Solo. According to the DIP, these videos qualify as 'audiovisual works' under Section 4 of the Copyright Act B.E. 2537 (1994). This classification covers elements such as footage of tourist attractions, editing sequences, sound design, and narration.

As the creator, Hlun Solo held the copyright immediately upon the work's creation, granting him exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, and distribute the content. The DIP clarified that these rights remain protected for 50 years from the date of creation or publication, as stipulated by the Act. To manage these assets, the department advises the executor of the will or legal heirs to gather necessary documentation and petition the court to be appointed as the estate administrator.

For residents and followers, this clarification highlights the legal permanence of digital content even after a creator's death. It underscores that such works are considered intellectual property that must be managed through formal legal channels. While the DIP has provided the general framework for copyright protection, the specific details regarding the transfer of account access and the ongoing management of the YouTube channel by the heirs remain to be confirmed by the family and the platform's policies.