On 24 January 2020, the Royal Government of Cambodia officially approved the change of name of the Ministry of Industry and Handicraft to the “Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation” through Notification No. 139 issued by the Office of the Council of Ministers. The objective of the institutional change was made in order to accompany the growth of Cambodian industries in keeping pace with the fast-growing technology of the Industrial Revolution 4.0.The institutional changes will comprise of the following:

• amendment of related laws and regulations in order to govern the organisation and functioning of the new ministry.
• establishment of two new support units: (1) the General Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and (2) the National Institute of Science, Technology and Innovation.
• career opportunities in the two newly established General Departments for officials and graduates in the field of Science and Technology field as well as for those interested in Innovation.

To that effect, the Law on Establishment of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation was promulgated by Kram No. NS/RKM/0320/009 dated 24 March 2020. The Sub-Decree No. 48 on Organisation and Functioning of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation was also adopted and entered into force.

We hereby inform you that as of the date of establishment of the new ministry, all Intellectual Property related matters such as Patents, Utility Models and Industrial Designs should be addressed to the “Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation”.

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact Khieu Mealy or Chhim Leakena.

This alert is for general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.