Great news for European Patent holders and companies considering an investment in Cambodia as of March 1st, 2018, for a nominal additional fee of 180 EUR, it will be possible to validate European patent applications and patents in Cambodia. This will grant essentially the same protection in Cambodia as anywhere else in the EU, bringing the total number of countries a European Patent has force into 44. The sole exception to this new law is patented for pharmaceutical products. Cambodia currently benefits from the World Trade Organization’s waiver for Least Developed Countries to avoid grant and enforcement of IP rights related to pharmaceuticals until 2033. Validation requires the applicant’s request for current applications, however for all new applications filed after the effective date validation shall be deemed requested.
For the official journal article from the European Patent office please see their website: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/official-journal/information
As always if you need assistance with any Intellectual Property matter in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, or Vietnam you can contact us directly at satyapon@satyapon.com