Ministry of Culture Gathers Input on Copyright Law Amendments

On Thursday, September 19, 2025, the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in partnership with the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia, organized a workshop to collect feedback on proposed amendments to the Law on Copyright and Related Rights. The amendments are designed to respond to technological changes and align Cambodia’s legal framework with international conventions and treaties.

The workshop gathered legal experts, writers, and cultural stakeholders to ensure the draft is transparent, efficient, and capable of addressing today’s socio-technological needs. The Ministry also emphasized the importance of regulating the business and commercialization of creative works.

Saing Vannak, President of the Bar Association, highlighted that copyright protection motivates creators, supports cultural preservation, and drives social and economic development. Strong legal safeguards, he noted, inspire innovation and entrepreneurship while promoting knowledge sharing.

Lek Chumnor, Vice-President of the Khmer Writers’ Association, added that the amendments are needed to close enforcement gaps. He criticized past efforts as ineffective, with weak sanctions and unclear definitions that left creators vulnerable to infringement.

First enacted in 2003, Cambodia’s copyright law now enters a critical stage of reform, aiming to protect authors more effectively in the digital age.