“It should be noted that this was an increase in REGISTRATIONS - meaning applications granted,” he says. “Looking at new application filings, we actually saw a decrease in 2020 of about 10%. As new applications had always been increasing year- on-year, this decrease is almost certainly due to the disruptions of covid-19. This decrease in the new workload probably allowed the Trademark Office to work through its backlog, resulting in higher registration numbers. Clearing the backlog is a good signal, as it means the Trademark Office continues to operate smoothly and should lead to a faster examination of future applications.”

He is hopeful of another increase this year.

“If we can hopefully turn a corner on the pandemic this year, I see application numbers bouncing back and continuing their pattern of year-on-year growth,” he says. “Compared to other countries, there are still relatively few trademark registration in Cambodia. I'm always surprised when I see a major international brand filing their first mark in Cambodia. Together with continued economic growth, we expect filings to continue to grow strongly in the years to come”.

Excel V. Dyquiangco