The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has, to date, started to issue first-office-action search and examination reports for patent applications filed in Cambodia, allowing businesses and entrepreneurs swifter access to a combined market of 20 million people. With Cambodia poised to ascend to the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the steady continuity in intellectual property (IP) cooperation between both countries is testament to the progressive integration and development of IP within ASEAN.

This progress was noted at today’s Third High Level Meeting in Phnom Penh, led by Cambodia’s Senior Minister, Minister for Industry and Handicraft (MIH), H.E. Dr. Cham Prasidh, and Chief Executive of IPOS, Daren Tang. 

Singapore and Cambodia signed a Memorandum of Understanding last January to cooperate on IP protection and contribute to the larger development of the region's IP ecosystem. Steady progress has been made since; IPOS is assisting MIH on patent search and examination services to expedite the grant of quality patents in Cambodia. MIH is also setting regulations for re-registration of Singapore patents in Cambodia. Both IP offices are geared towards facilitating greater IP knowledge transfer and traiining, and the sharing of processes and forms, to help businesses grow and expand within the larger ASEAN Economic Community.

Dr. Cham Prasidh, senior minister, Minister for Industry and Handicraft said, "Businesses can now operate in Cambodia with greater confidence that their innovations will be protectd through the patent examination services provided by IPOS. This brings us a step closer towards IP harmonization in ASEAN, as the region advances towards being a single IP bloc."

Darren Tang, chief executive of IPOS said, "IPOS is pleased to be partnering MIH, and the rest of ASEAN, in our collective quest towards building an integrated, innovation-driven and pace-setting region in today's global knowledge economy. We will continue to share and develop business-friendly and efficient IP processes for creators and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and gain a competitive edge in ASEAN."