Cambodia goes paperless for trademark certificates: what brand owners need to know

Cambodia’s Department of Intellectual Property has announced that it will stop issuing trademark registration certificates and other trademark documents in paper form and move to electronic-only issuance, per “Announcement on the Implementation of the Paperless Trademark Registration System,” No. 3210 (25 September 2025).

Below is a quick, practical breakdown of what this means—and how to prepare.

The headline change

Effective with Announcement No. 3210, the DIP will issue electronic certificates and trademark documents only. Paper certificates and paper office documents will no longer be provided.

Why this matters: electronic issuance shortens wait times, reduces courier and handling costs, and aligns Cambodia with best practices across the region. It also dovetails with the country’s ongoing investments in IP digitalization, including e-filing, a new portal for application management, and an improved search database. (cambodiaip.gov.kh)

Goals the DIP highlighted

• Efficiency & convenience: faster issuance and fewer in-person touchpoints across the registration lifecycle.

• Better public service delivery: clearer digital records, quicker retrieval, and more consistent document formats.

These objectives are consistent with the DIP’s e-services roadmap and the tools surfaced on its homepage (E-filing and Digital IP/Database). (cambodiaip.gov.kh)

What still requires originals (for now)

While certificates and most office communications go electronic, certain “originating” documents still require originals under current practice—for example:

• Powers of Attorney (POA): Notarized originals are required (though a copy may be lodged first with the original to follow within a set period).

• Assignments / recordals: Original notarized assignment deeds and related are still required.

• Declarations for changes (e.g., name/address): Original notarized declarations or legal evidence are still necessary

Why this is a big improvement over the old system

Historically, Cambodia’s trademark workflow relied heavily on paper submissions, paper notices, and physical certificates. The combination of e-filing, centralized online status/management, a public search database, and now e-only certificates marks a step-change in speed and certainty for applicants and agents. (cambodiaip.gov.kh)

Practical tips for applicants and agents

1. Set up and verify your e-filing access. Make sure your team can log in and receive DIP system emails/notifications. (efiling.cambodiaip.gov.kh)

2. Update your internal records policy. Treat the electronic certificate as the official record; ensure your docketing and evidence files capture and back up the e-certificate and metadata.

3. Plan for originals where still needed. Build timelines for notarization and international courier when filing POAs, assignments, or declarations, since these still require physical originals or certified copies under current rules.

4. Use the search database proactively. Reduce objections and delays by screening marks on the Cambodia Trademark Database before filing. (cambodiaip.gov.kh)