On February 21st, 2025, S&O IP Cambodia had the privilege of joining the Cambodia IP Education Seminar hosted by the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation (MISTI), in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the National Center for Industrial Property Information and Training (INPIT), and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA).

The event was honored by the presence of H.E. Ngeth Vibol, Director General of the General Department of Industry, MISTI; H.E. Suon Vichea, Advisor to the Ministry, Head of Secretariat of the National Committee for Intellectual Property, and Director of the Department of Intellectual Property, MoC; Dr. Yasuaki Naito, Director of the Intellectual Property Department at JETRO; Mr. Yoshitaka Watanabe, Manager of Legal Policy at ERIA; Ms. Tomomi Yoshida from INPIT; Ms. Narika Chogo from JPO, alongside representatives from the private sector.

Experts highlighted the importance of IP awareness for businesses, universities, and policymakers. Discussions covered Japan's cooperation with Cambodia. The Japan Patent Office (JPO), in collaboration with ERIA, MoC, and MISTI, signed a memorandum of cooperation in March 2023 to support branding research projects and IP awareness initiatives. This memorandum has led to significant progress, including research on effective branding strategies for Cambodian businesses and training programs focused on promoting university-based startups for Cambodian institutions and government officials.

JETRO and JPO continue to provide guidance through training and expert discussions.

Beyond laws and regulations, IP education is crucial for businesses and individuals to protect and commercialize their innovations, driving economic growth and increasing Cambodia's global competitiveness.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in Cambodia, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].