In Cambodia, trademark protection is based on the “first to file” principle. This means that, in practice, you only obtain enforceable rights once your trademark is registered. Only in limited, exceptional situations can an unregistered, well-known mark be protected.
To secure protection, applications must be filed with the Department of Intellectual Property of Cambodia CIP. Registration allows you to:
- Prove clear ownership of the mark in Cambodia.
- Prevent third parties from registering or using confusingly similar trademarks.
- Rely on a registered right in enforcement or licensing scenarios.
Cambodia is also a member state of the Madrid Protocol, so owners of international registrations can designate Cambodia via the Madrid System. We offer services for trademark filing through the Madrid System.
If you file a combined trademark (word + logo) in Cambodia, your exclusive right is limited to that exact combination. If you intend to use the word element separately from the figurative element (or vice versa), it is recommended to file additional applications for the separate word mark and/or device mark you want to protect individually.