Cambodia Advances Intellectual Property Strategy to Boost Sports Industry Growth

Cambodia is taking significant steps to reposition intellectual property (IP) as a central pillar in the development of its sports industry, moving beyond traditional legal protections to embrace IP as a driver of innovation and commercial opportunity.

As the country’s economy diversifies and prepares for its anticipated graduation from least developed country status in 2029, policymakers are increasingly leveraging IP to unlock value across the sports sector. This includes areas such as sports equipment, branding, media rights, and merchandising, all seen as vital for strengthening Cambodia’s competitive edge.

During World Intellectual Property Day 2026, which carried the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate,” Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul underscored the untapped potential within the sector. She highlighted that modern sports products are the result of ongoing innovation, with advancements in materials, design, and performance closely tied to patents, industrial designs, and trademarks.

Minister Nimul emphasized that integrating IP into Cambodia’s sports ecosystem would not only protect creative ideas but also incentivize further innovation, support creative enterprises, and enable athletes and entrepreneurs to fully realize the commercial benefits of their work.

Suon Vichea, director of the Department of Intellectual Property, detailed the objectives of the Intellectual Property Clinic Project, which aims to help Cambodian businesses move beyond basic IP registration. The initiative focuses on equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge to leverage IP as a valuable business asset.

The project offers training, mentorship, and practical guidance, with an emphasis on converting intellectual property into marketable products. Participants receive support in areas such as trademark registration, product development, and preparing for export—critical steps for scaling up local brands.

Implemented in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization, the program is set to expand nationwide. Its goals include raising standards, enhancing competitiveness, and strengthening the presence of Cambodian products in both regional and global markets.

Within the sports sector, trademarks are becoming increasingly important as sources of both commercial and legal value. The identities of clubs, team merchandise, and sporting events all rely on effective brand protection to generate revenue, build recognition, and maintain credibility.

Vichea noted that proper trademark registration, overseen by the Department of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Commerce, provides the legal basis for commercialization. This enables rights holders to license their brands, transfer ownership, and take legal action against infringement.

Despite these measures, challenges remain. Keo Sareth, Secretary-General of the Football Federation of Cambodia, acknowledged ongoing violations such as unauthorized replicas of national team jerseys, counterfeit merchandise, and illegal broadcasting, all of which undermine the sector’s growth.

Authorities have responded with warnings and legal action in some cases, but enforcement gaps persist, allowing repeat offenses. Sareth called for stronger regulations and more consistent implementation to protect rights holders and ensure accountability.

“Protecting the rights of original owners and maintaining market fairness is essential,” Sareth stated. “It ensures fair competition and safeguards the interests of creators and organizations in sports.”

Looking ahead, Cambodia’s strategy is clear: for intellectual property to drive the next phase of economic growth, robust protection must be matched by effective enforcement, and innovation must be underpinned by a system capable of defending it.