Cambodia joins Hague

The Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia deposited its instrument of Accession to the Geneva (1999) Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs late in 2016. The 1999 Act will enter into force on 25 February 2017. Designs are an increasingly useful tool for local companies operating in SE Asia. It is a general pattern that emerging economies struggle to develop robust patents. However designs are an easier level of IP protection to obtain and so are more commonly used to protect products by local companies. In addition SE Asia's creative and aesthetic skills make for lots of unique and interesting local designs for products. Until now few sought design protection, perhaps beyond their local market due to cost. Having ASEAN members join Hague is a core IP goal for the region. A boom in design filings can be expected as more countries join in this region.