Pan Sorasak, Minister of the Ministry of Commerce. FACEBOOK
The Ministry of Commerce increased 269 business trademarks this year, bringing the total number of such registrations at the ministry to 4,186 – and 3,917 last year, its annual report said.
The ministry’s Department of Intellectual Property Rights director Op Rady told The Post on Wednesday that the increase in registrations reflects a growing awareness among business operators of its benefits.
The report shows that the ministry increased 819 trademark applications this year, bringing the total to 5,942 this year – and 5,123 last year. Of those, 2,240 were local trademarks, the report said.
“[It] shows the awareness of trademarks in Cambodia and that the ministry is trying to promote trademark and intellectual property benefits."
“Business operators already understand that trademarks will protect their products and ensure their quality as well as build consumer trust."
“Through trademarks, business operators can file complaints about any complex issue that is harmful to the interest of their products.”
Cambodia joined the Madrid Protocol in March 2015, with the agreement entering into force in June that year.
Under the Madrid Protocol, trademarks registered by businesses in Cambodia can be recognised by all of the treaty’s 98 members, covering 114 countries.
The report showed that business trademarks applied for under the protocol this year decreased 8.93 per cent compared to last year. The ministry also approved 1,153 trademarks under it.
The Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprises president Te Taingpor said the number of registered business trademarks is a good sign and highlights the ministry’s efforts in promoting trademarks.
He said it also shows an increase in comprehension of trademarks among small and medium enterprises (SME).
“It is a good sign for the country that SMEs comply with the law and understand the benefit of trademarks. The ministry is also taking more action against those faking trademarks, to build business operator and consumer trust,” Taingpor said.
He added that the ministry should classify trademark logos more clearly and in detail so that they are not easily confused with others.
