Trademark application changing in Cambodia

In an increasingly open and competitive market like Cambodia, owning a unique and properly protected trademark is key for businesses to maintain their position. However, the initial registration information does not always reflect the needs and strategies of the business over time. There are cases where due to some objective or subjective reasons, enterprises need to change the approved trademark registration information. This may be due to changes in business strategy, target market, or a desire to improve and add some relevant information to enhance value and more effectively protect the brand. To answer questions for customers wishing to learn about the process as well as procedures for changing the trademark application in Cambodia, Viet An Law Firm will guide customers through the article below.

Legal basis

• Trademarks, Trade Names and Unfair Competition Practices Law of January 8, 2002;
• Decrees and related circulars.

Some reasons why the applicant needs to change the trademark application in Cambodia

• Business expansion: When a business decides to expand its business into new areas or markets, it may need to change its branding to better reflect its scope and area of activity.
• Changes in brand strategy: Some businesses change their brand strategy or upgrade their brand image, resulting in the need to update or change trademark registration information.
• Resolve legal issues: When trademark-related disputes or legal issues arise, businesses may need to change trademark registration information to ensure legal compliance and resolve issues effectively.
• Adapt to market trends: In some cases, you may need to change your brand to more accurately reflect market trends, customer needs, or to compete more effectively in your business lines.
• Corporate restructuring: During a corporate restructuring, a rebranding can be part of an overall strategy to reshape the position and image of the business in the market.

The above cases are just some typical examples, and in fact there may be many other reasons and factors that businesses should consider carefully when considering changing a trademark application in Cambodia because it takes a long time to be granted a protection certificate.

Cases in which a trademark application needs to be changed in Cambodia

Change the name and address of the trademark applicant

When the applicant has changed the name of the enterprise in Cambodia or changed the address of the company’s head office,  the applicant needs to submit a request to change the trademark application with the following documents:

• Petition for change of trademark application
• Power of attorney (if the applicant is an organization)
• Original Trademark Registration Certificate
• A copy of documents proving the change of name and address of the applicant (e.g. business registration certificate, business household registration certificate,…)

Rebranding

When the applicant registers a trademark, there is a change in the registered trademark. For example, a trademark business changes its logo or changes the color of its trademark.

To change a trademark, the applicant needs to file a petition to change the trademark application with the following documents:

• Petition for change of trademark application
• Power of attorney (if the applicant is an organization)
• Original Trademark Registration Certificate
• New trademark drawings
• English translation of the new brand

Change your product/service group

This case occurs when the trademark applicant has a change in the group of products/services for which the trademark is protected. For example, a business registers a trademark for clothing products and wants to extend protection to footwear products.

To change the product/service group, the applicant needs to submit a request to change the trademark application with the following documents:

• Petition for change of trademark application
• Power of attorney (if the applicant is an organization)
• Original Trademark Registration Certificate
• New product/service group manifest

Change of trademark ownership

This situation occurs when the trademark applicant transfers ownership of the trademark to another person or entity.

To change trademark ownership, the applicant needs to file a petition to change the trademark application with the following documents:

• Petition for change of trademark application
• Power of attorney (if the applicant is an organization)
• Original Trademark Registration Certificate
• Contract for assignment of trademark ownership

General notes for trademark application change filings

• A petition to change the trademark application must be made in writing and signed by the applicant or an authorized person.
• The documents accompanying the application for change of trademark application must be translated into English.

Fees for changing a trademark application in Cambodia

The fee for changing a trademark application in Cambodia is US$130-140.

Time limit for processing dossiers requesting changes in trademark applications

The deadline for processing a request to change a trademark application is 3-4 months from the date of filing.

Service of changing and amending trademark registration application in Cambodia of Viet An Law Firm Firm

• Conduct a new trademark search and notify customers in writing of the results of trademark search in Cambodia;
• Drafting dossiers and directly submitting and monitoring the status of trademark application changes in Cambodia on behalf of trademark owners;
• Inform, advise and handle deficiencies/refusals of competent State agencies (if any) in the process of monitoring trademark applications in Cambodia;
• Support monitoring, representing the resolution of objections and feedback with intellectual property representatives to carry out procedures in Cambodia.
• Receive dispatches, certificates and hand over to customers (if any).

If customers need to file an application to change or amend the trademark registration application in Cambodia, please contact Viet An Law Firm for the most effective support.