IP Expert

Overview

Dr. Sovath Phin is a distinguished intellectual property (IP) expert and Founding Partner at SDS & Partners, based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With a Doctorate in Comparative Law from Nagoya University, Japan, and extensive legal training, he has established a stellar reputation in IP law. His practice encompasses patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution, licensing, enforcement, and strategic IP commercialization. He has also represented clients in contentious IP matters, including infringement and anti-counterfeiting actions.

Dr. Sovath has played a pivotal role in shaping Cambodia’s IP legal framework. Notably, he collaborated with the Department of Intellectual Property to draft key regulations such as the Prakas on Recordal of Trademark License and Franchise Agreements and the Sub-Decree on Administrative Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights. His consultancy work with international organizations, including WIPO and the World Bank, underscores his ability to align local IP regulations with international standards.

An accomplished academic, Dr. Sovath is an Adjunct Professor at leading Cambodian universities and an active contributor to the global IP dialogue. His publications include Trademark System in Cambodia (Cambridge University Press), Cambodia: International Encyclopedia of Laws – Intellectual Property (Kluwer Law International), and ASEAN Intellectual Property Harmonization: Recent Developments and Future Direction (Patents & Licensing).

Sovath's affiliations reflect his commitment to the advancement of intellectual property and innovation. He is a member of esteemed organizations such as the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association (ASEAN IPA), the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA), and the Intellectual Property Association of Cambodia (IPAC). Additionally, he is a member of the National Commercial Arbitration Centre (NCAC), a Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators (SIArb), and a CEDR-accredited mediator.

His linguistic proficiency in Khmer, English, and basic Japanese enhances his ability to serve a diverse client base effectively. Sovath’s exemplary work and dedication place him at the forefront of IP practice in Cambodia, offering invaluable insights and solutions to his clients.