Cambodia becomes member of PCT

On September 8th 2016, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry received the instruments of accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) from Cambodia’s Senior Minister and Minister of Industry and Handicraft, Cham Prasidh.

Cambodia’s accession brings the number of PCT members to 151.

PCT considerably facilitates international protection of inventions helping applicants to seek patent applications internationally for their inventions, providing a cost effective system.

This accession will be beneficial to Cambodia as the country experienced significant difficulties in the area due to lack of funds and experience. As a result no patent had ever been granted in the country until 2015.

Cambodian nationals and residents will now be able to seek patent protection internationally through a single “international application” and Cambodian authorities will be helped with their patent granting decisions, as the Cambodian authorities can seek the assistance from the other members to ascertain whether a patent application filed in the country should be accepted or not.

This development should motivate research and innovation in Cambodia, as well as make the country more attractive to foreign investment.

The Patent Cooperation Treaty will enter into force December 8th, 2016.