New rules for trademark registration in Cambodia

Managing IP is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 4 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2025

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

New rules for trademark registration in Cambodia

Sponsored by

tillekegibbins.png
asia-5392799.jpg

Sokmean Chea and Sovannara Khan of Tilleke & Gibbins analyse Cambodia’s new rules for trademark registration, with significant changes to be noted by trademark owners

Cambodia is tightening its trademark procedures by restricting the filing of separate single-class applications for a mark covering multiple classes, and by ending the extension of the deadline for filing affidavits of use or non-use. Disregarding the requirement on affidavits could be especially dangerous for existing registered trademark owners, potentially even resulting in the removal of the registered mark from Cambodia’s trademark registry.

Trademarks covering multiple classes

According to an announcement from Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce on August 1 2023, the country’s Department of Intellectual Property Rights now only accepts a single application for a trademark covering more than one international class and will not accept multiple single-class applications. In other words, trademarks intended to cover more than one class of goods or services can now only be registered via a single multiple-class application.

Previously, trademark applicants had been allowed to file separate single-class applications for the same mark covering multiple classes. The new rule promises to reduce unnecessary paperwork and simplify the process of trademark registration.

Affidavits of use or non-use

The Ministry of Commerce soon followed its announcement on multiple-class trademark registration by stating in a notification that trademark registrants who miss the deadline for filing an affidavit of use or non-use will no longer be allowed to file an affidavit after the deadline. The ministry had previously been allowing registrants to file after the deadline—such as at the time of filing their trademark renewal—but decided to adopt this stricter approach.

This is in accordance with the Sub-Decree Concerning the Filing of an Affidavit of Use or Non-Use, which requires trademark owners to file an affidavit of use or non-use within one year following the fifth anniversary of the mark’s registration or renewal.

The ministry’s notification also asserts that registered trademarks will be removed from the registry if the affidavit of the mark’s use or non-use is not filed within the required period. This applies to both domestic registrations and international registrations made under the Madrid Protocol.

Although the notification does not explicitly state an effective date, owners of existing trademark registrations should prepare to file any necessary affidavits of use or non-use that are past the legally required time period as soon as possible. Otherwise, they may face removal of their trademark registration from the registry.

Outlook

Cambodia's recent changes to its trademark registration and maintenance procedures mark a significant shift in the country’s IP landscape. The developments described above represent a positive step toward a more mature and standardised regulatory system for trademarks.

Trademark owners and businesses operating in Cambodia should remain proactive in protecting their IP rights by staying updated on regulatory changes and seeking legal counsel when necessary. By doing so, they can navigate the evolving trademark landscape with confidence and safeguard their valuable brand assets in Cambodia’s growing market.

more from across site and SHARED ros bottom lb

More from across our site

Microsoft allegedly uses the HEVC technology in a range of products and offers an extension as an add-on
A group of five lawyers who joined Cleary Gottlieb say they want to help expand the firm’s IP litigation practice
As we build up to another busy year for the IP STARS rankings and our Managing IP Awards, we assess some of the major IP firms and trends in Germany
Florina Firaru discusses making new connections, the art of flower arranging, and the biggest misconception about IP
The firm, which appointed three IP partners from A&O Shearman, wants to develop a tier one practice in Europe
The England and Wales appeals court handed down its judgment just seven working days after hearing the trademark dispute involving pharma company Merck
A host of law firms from across Europe and beyond helped bring the streaming technology dispute to a close
Hugues Derème, director general of the Benelux IP Office, unveils his vision for the region, how to improve IP awareness, and use of AI
A copyright win for AI firm Anthropic and a new executive order against law firm Jenner & Block were also among the top talking points this week
A principal at Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner explains how AI tools, including DeepIP, can position the firm to help clients
Gift this article