As a clear indication of the intention of the European Patent Office to extend the territorial protection which can be obtained from a granted European Patent, they have announced that the first Asian Country, Cambodia, will now recognise a granted European patent.
While, to many, this may appear to be a strange development, it is an indication of the competition between National and Regional Patent Office organisations to secure future funding by expanding their geographical reach. As such, from 1 March 2018, an agreement on the validation of European patents between Cambodia and the European Patent Organisation entered into force and as a result it is now possible to validate European patent applications and patents in Cambodia. A validated patent will provide the same protection in Cambodia as patents granted by the EPO for the existing member Countries.
No action is required by applicants until the patent is granted and at that time the applicant will have the option of choosing Cambodia as a country in which they wish their patent to be enforceable.
If you have any questions regarding this or any other IP issues, please do not hesitate to contact one of our advisers, either by email at mail@bailey-walsh.com, or by telephone on 0113 2089962.
Bailey Walsh & Co. LLP is a firm of UK and European Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys. We have an excellent reputation for direct, practical and professional intellectual property advice both in the UK and globally.
