[1] A single application for multiple classes of goods and services is mandatory

In the Notification No. 2501 dated August 01, 2023; the MOC requests trademark applicants to file a multi-class application instead of several single-class application for the same mark as an effort of MOC to reduce the burden of administrative process placed on the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP). Any failure to comply with the new requirement will result in the provisional refusal for the trademark application.

[2] On-time submission of Affidavit of Use / Non-Use

Previously, the Department of Intellectual Property of Cambodia had exercised flexibility in enforcing the prescribed timeline for the submission of Affidavit of Use / Non-Use that allowing trademark owners to submit the Affidavit even after the fifth year. However, in the Official Notification No. 2652 dated August 11, 2023; the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) of Cambodia states that if the owner of the registered mark fails to file the Affidavit within the prescribed timeline, the registered mark shall be removed from the registry. This Notification represents a significant change in trademark practice in Cambodia where the Affidavit serves as an essential mechanism for monitoring trademarks that remain inactive and in the context that the number of non-use trademark is increasing within the registry.

These two Notifications are in immediate effect.