The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) of Cambodia has launched a new online portal to support registered Cambodian trademark agents and intellectual property owners. This portal is poised to improve the way trademarks are managed and monitored, providing essential tools and resources for users, all in one convenient location. The project was supported by the Japan Patent Office through its Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global program.
With this launch, Cambodian IP owners and trademark agents will now have access to a range of features that streamline the process of managing trademark applications and registrations.
1. My Trademark - Your Centralized Trademark Hub
At the heart of the portal is the My Trademark function, a vital tool for all IP owners and registered agents. This feature allows users to view all their trademark applications and registrations at a glance. For registered agents, it provides an overview of all trademarks they manage on behalf of their clients. One of the standout improvements is that all notifications from the DIP—whether notices of acceptance, refusal, or other updates—will be uploaded directly to the portal. This is a significant upgrade from the previous system of paper and email notices, as now everything is consolidated in one location, making it easier to track important updates and deadlines.
2. Trademark Search – Real-Time Access to Applications and Registrations
The portal’s Trademark Search function allows users to perform quick searches for both pending applications and registered trademarks. One major advantage is that the dataset appears more current than the WIPO Global Brand Database. Our spot check shows only a one-day lag, compared to WIPO’s week-long delay. However, it's worth noting that while the portal is excellent for rapid searches, its functionality is more limited than WIPO's sophisticated tools. For in-depth clearance searches, WIPO remains the preferred option due to its more powerful search features.
3. Bookmark a Trademark – Monitor and Track with Ease
Another particularly useful tool is the Bookmark a Trademark feature. Users can bookmark specific trademarks—whether applications or registrations—for future reference. This is especially helpful for monitoring potential opposition or simply keeping tabs on trademarks of interest. This feature ensures that users can track relevant applications without needing to repeatedly search for them, simplifying the monitoring process.
4. Nice Classification – Search Goods and Services in Khmer
The Nice Classification tool is another valuable addition, enabling users to search and compile lists of goods and services under the Nice Classification system. While the functionality may be more limited than the WIPO Madrid Goods & Services Manager, it offers a unique advantage: the inclusion of Khmer translations. Although it’s not required to provide goods or services in Khmer, this tool is particularly helpful for users less conversant in English, and it stands as the only platform offering this translation service.
Additional Resources and Links
In addition to these core functions, the portal also provides links to other essential IP resources in Cambodia. This includes access to official gazettes, the Online Trademark Filing site, and a new IP Academy, which offers distance learning programs focused on intellectual property in Cambodia.
how to sign-up and use the system, a helpful guide is also provided: https://digitalip.cambodiaip.gov.kh/en/user-guide
We encourage all IP professionals to explore the portal and take advantage of its many features.
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