You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

//
//
Cambodia

Cambodia

Our Phnom Penh practice offers a team of dedicated Khmer and international professionals to provide advice on intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and a spectrum of other legal issues. Our corporate clients rely on us to launch and thrive in this dynamic emerging market. Our strong local foundation enables us to set them up for success.

Cambodia Offices
Overview

Trusted and innovative legal advisors in the emerging economy of Cambodia.

Built on a strong local foundation, Tilleke & Gibbins office in Phnom Penh has grown into one of the strongest legal outfits on the ground in Cambodia. The firm’s 16-person team in Phnom Penh comprises a mix of local and foreign legal advisors and other business professionals to provide our clients with well-rounded legal, business, and cultural advice to help them achieve their objectives in the jurisdiction.

Under the leadership of partner Jay Cohen, a practitioner with over 15 years of experience in Asia, the firm’s Phnom Penh office handles a full range of corporate and commercial, intellectual property, and regulatory services to a wide range of clients. On the commercial side this includes market entry for multinationals, commercial transactions (M&As, JVs, and business partnerships), labor and employment, and key regulatory matters for highly regulated industries—especially banking and finance, technology, telecommunications, media, e-commerce, energy, consumer goods, and life sciences (e.g., pharmaceuticals and medical devices). Beyond this corporate and commercial work, the firm also boasts a market-leading intellectual property (IP) practice, which clients often see as a key differentiator between our firm and other corporate and commercial firms in the country. Our IP practice seamlessly compliments our strategic market entry advice and sets the firm apart as a premium one-stop shop for all legal needs in Cambodia.

Experience

  • Advising many of the world’s largest companies on product safety, labeling, and registration requirements, including leading players in the automotive, consumer goods, food and beverage, garment, and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Advising a Cambodian investment fund on the proposed acquisition of a specialized bank.
  • Represented a global motorcycle manufacturer in investigations into the distribution of counterfeit products in Cambodia, and worked with the Cambodian Counter Counterfeit Committee and the police to initiate the country’s first ever raid action on the basis of industrial design infringement, resulting in the seizure of 444 counterfeit motorcycles.
  • Represented a venture capital fund on the provision of a convertible loan to a Cambodian water authority. Our work involved extensive investigations into the holding company and four subsidiary water companies, reviewing and providing extensive input into the convertible loan agreement, and advising on the successful completion of the loan.
  • Advised a global consumer electronics brand on product liability issues and product safety regulations following the discovery of potential defects in a product available in the Cambodian market, including advice on voluntary reporting to and engagement with national regulators, voluntary product recall, and various other practical matters to ensure the safety of their customer base.
  • Advising a leading Cambodian commercial bank on multiple aspects of the operations, including the offering of innovative new digital banking services, data protection and data breach policies and procedures, the offering of high-value facilities and other financial instruments, and various other matters essential to their continuing position as a market-leader in the country’s banking sector.
  • Advised a major U.S.-based television and media company on the launch of its video-on-demand platform in Cambodia.
    Advised Walmart on Cambodia’s online advertisement, gambling, and charitable donation laws in relation to an international online competition the company was holding among its global workforce.
  • Represented a shareholder in the sale of a majority stake of Green Sustainable Ventures to a subsidiary of a Malaysian company specializing in solar power technology and infrastructure, Pestech Power Sdn Bhd, including advice on regulatory issues in the power sector regarding share transfers and negotiations over a long-term lease agreement in connection with the land on which the solar power plant will reside.
  • Advised a market-leading technology company on the expansion of its service offerings in Cambodia, including the provision of comprehensive data protection handbook, advice on cybersecurity and digital marketing regulations, and advising on the provision of insurance, loans and lending, e-payment, and telemedicine services.
  • Acted for a leading agricultural machinery and product manufacturer in coordinating a raid action with the Cambodian Counter Counterfeit Committee (CCCC), which resulted in one of largest seizures of counterfeit products in Cambodian history, including upwards of 30,000 counterfeit products infringing our client’s trademark.
  • Engaged by a European international development agency to conduct a comprehensive legal study on the legal framework applicable to rooftop solar in Cambodia, and possible structures for investment into rooftop solar and solar power plants. We provided highly detailed advice on all legal aspects of rooftop solar and investments in rooftop solar, as well as the legal framework for solar power in general, including photovoltaic power plants. We also advised on all aspects of investing in Cambodia, including tax structuring, leasing, licensing for financial leasing, licensing for construction of plants, and any related matter.
  • Provided localized anti-corruption policies and internal investigation guidelines to one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies to ensure compliance in their Cambodia operations and distribution network.
  • Advising one of the world’s largest social media companies on the launch of an express Wi-Fi project for users in remote areas of Cambodia.
  • Retained by a leading global coffee chain to investigate and act against the retail and wholesale marketing of unauthorized products bearing the client’s logo. We have conducted dozens of investigations and surveys for this client in Phnom Penh and online, identifying multiple infringing companies, securing the cessation of their sale of counterfeit products, and tracing the suppliers to prevent further distribution.
  • Representing an American sports league with a globally recognized brand in the investigation and resolution of unauthorized advertisement and broadcast of their league games. The successful cessation of these broadcasts on the basis of copyright infringement was particularly notable due to them underdeveloped nature of Cambodia’s copyright laws, and it provided our client with the confidence to enter the market while retaining existing local licensees as planned.

PROFESSIONALS

RELATED INSIGHTS

August 13, 2026
On August 6, 2026, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) issued a notice calling on business owners that issue electronic money, such as e-wallet accounts and stored-value membership cards, to notify the central bank within 90 days. The notice targets businesses that are not licensed banking or financial institutions or payment service providers, but have been issuing e-money to facilitate payments within their own networks. Failure to notify the NBC may result in legal action. Background and Regulatory Basis The NBC has observed that certain businesses, including cafes, restaurants, transportation companies, entertainment centers, and gas stations, have been issuing e-money through e-wallet accounts in mobile apps or membership cards to facilitate customer payments for products or services within their own networks. Customers create e-wallet accounts and load balances to pay for goods or services at the issuing business. The NBC describes this as “single-purpose e-money.” Under the 1999 Law on Banking and Financial Institutions, providing payment facilities to customers forms part of the operations of banking and financial institutions and requires an NBC license. In addition, article 20 of the 2017 Prakas on the Management of Payment Service Institutions further prohibits legal entities other than banking and financial institutions and payment service institutions from issuing e-money. However, article 20 also provides that issuing e-money in certain limited cases does not require a license, but the NBC must be notified in advance in writing. A business may issue single-purpose e-money without a payment service institution license provided it meets all the following conditions and submits written notice to the NBC: The maximum balance per account is KHR 200,000 (approximately USD 50) or equivalent. The total aggregate balance across all accounts does not exceed KHR 800 million (approximately USD 200,000) or equivalent. The e-money is used to pay for products or
August 11, 2026
Cambodia’s Ministry of Justice has launched a new platform on its official website to publish notices of forced sales issued by each municipal and provincial court of first instance. The platform’s stated purpose is to inform the public and facilitate greater participation in forced-sale auctions conducted in connection with court-ordered enforcement proceedings. How the Platform Works The platform publishes forced-sale notices from courts of first instance across Cambodia’s municipalities and provinces and includes a link where the public can view properties currently subject to forced sale. To participate in a forced-sale auction, individuals can download Khmer-language bidding application forms through links provided on the platform. The form typically requires the applicant’s name, sex, year of birth, identity card number and issue date, and address, together with details identifying the immovable property (including its ownership certificate number), the relevant enforcement case number and date, and the reference to the public auction or tender announcement issued by the court. Completed application forms must be submitted directly to the specific municipal or provincial court that issued the forced sale. For further inquiries about a particular forced sale, interested parties should likewise contact the relevant municipal or provincial court. Forced Sale of Immovable Property in Cambodia The publication of these notices relates to the forced sale procedure for immovable property under Cambodia’s Code of Civil Procedure (CPC). Unlike property seizure by a court, a forced sale is a compulsory execution proceeding—a subsequent enforcement step that arises only after an underlying dispute has been adjudicated and a debtor fails to pay the debt or outstanding amount due under a final and binding judgment or other enforceable title of execution. For the purposes of this procedure, the term “immovable property” under the CPC refers to land, registered buildings, jointly held shares of such property, registered
January 26, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has contributed an updated Cambodia chapter to Foreign Investment Review 2026, a global guide to the legal and regulatory environment for foreign investment in 25 jurisdictions around the world. Published and distributed by Lexology Panoramic, the guide is focused on law and policy regarding foreign investment oversight, regulatory frameworks, procedural requirements, and other notable concerns for foreign investors. The updated Cambodia chapter was prepared by Jay Cohen, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ Phnom Penh office, and Nitikar Nith, associate. The chapter focuses most closely on the law and policy section, which explains the government’s policies and practices regarding foreign direct investment, the main investment laws and their scope, and the relevant authorities responsible for regulating mergers, acquisitions, and other business transactions. The chapter also brings up key recent developments, such as the prospect of Cambodia establishing a competition regulator. A PDF of the Cambodia chapter can be downloaded through the button below. Tilleke & Gibbins also provided the Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam chapters to Foreign Investment Review 2026. Readers can also gain 30 days of complementary access to the full Foreign Investment Review 2026 guide and the rest of Lexology Panoramic’s varied offerings through this link.
January 16, 2026
Employment law specialists from Tilleke & Gibbins’ office in Phnom Penh have contributed the Cambodia chapter to the Guide to Restructuring a Cross-Border Workforce from International Employment Lawyer. This comprehensive global guide, covering 50 jurisdictions worldwide, addresses the complex issue of workplace restructurings, with a particular focus on the needs of multinational companies. The Cambodia chapter was authored by Jay Cohen, partner and director of Tilleke & Gibbins’ Phnom Penh office, and Chanvisal Lok, associate. The Q&A-style chapter provides in-depth analysis of key areas related to workplace restructuring, including: Reduction in workforce; Restructuring or reorganization of the business; Changing terms and conditions; and Areas to watch. A PDF of the Cambodia chapter can be downloaded through the button below. Tilleke & Gibbins also contributed the Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam chapters to the Guide to Restructuring a Cross-Border Workforce 2026. To browse the full guide for all 45 jurisdictions, please visit the International Employment Lawyer website.
AWARDS & RANKINGS
August 13, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has been recognized in the inaugural Asia Top Cybersecurity & Data Law Firms 2026 list from Asian Legal Business (ALB), published in the magazine’s August 2026 edition. The new ranking highlights leading law firms across Asia with dedicated cybersecurity, privacy, and data regulation practices, recognizing firms with a proven track record of advising clients on complex cybersecurity and data law matters. Tilleke & Gibbins is one of only 21 firms included in the inaugural list, reflecting the firm’s strength in data privacy, cybersecurity, technology, and regulatory matters throughout Southeast Asia. According to ALB, the firms selected for inclusion are recognized for their capabilities in areas such as privacy compliance, incident response, digital investigations, and technology-enabled client service. The recognition underscores the continued growth and regional prominence of Tilleke & Gibbins’ data privacy and cybersecurity practice, which advises clients across a broad range of industries on data protection compliance, cybersecurity preparedness and response, technology transactions, digital platform regulation, and emerging regulatory developments. This latest honor reflects the firm’s commitment to helping clients navigate an increasingly complex digital and regulatory landscape and reinforces its reputation as a leading adviser on technology, privacy, and cybersecurity issues across the region.
June 11, 2026
A total of 11 Tilleke & Gibbins intellectual property practitioners have been recognized in World Trademark Review‘s WTR Global Leaders 2026, an exclusive ranking of the world’s top trademark professionals. This marks an increase from eight practitioners in 2025 and highlights the strength and depth of the firm’s IP team across Southeast Asia. The firm’s recognized practitioners are: Cambodia David Mol Sokmean Chea Indonesia Wongrat Ratanaprayul (New ranking) Myanmar Yuwadee Thean-ngarm Thailand Alan Adcock Darani Vachanavuttivong Somboon Earterasarun Suebsiri Taweepon (New ranking) Nuttaphol Arammuang (New ranking) Vietnam Linh Thi Mai Nguyen Loc Xuan Le WTR Global Leaders draws on research from the WTR 1000 and WTR 300 to identify the very best trademark practitioners worldwide, bringing together a select group of professionals recognized for their expertise, insight, and contributions to the field. The full list of ranked individuals in the private practice category can be viewed here.
June 10, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins was again recognized as a top-tier intellectual property law firm in Southeast Asia in the 2026 edition of Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Stars rankings Firm Rankings In this year’s firm rankings, Tilleke & Gibbins secured the following positions: Cambodia General IP – Recommended (top tier awarded for this category) Indonesia Patent – Tier 2 Trademark – Tier 2 Thailand Patent – Tier 1 Trademark – Tier 1 Vietnam Patent – Tier 1 Trademark – Tier 1 Individual Rankings In addition to the firm rankings, 12 Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers were recognized individually as IP Stars: Cambodia David Mol – Rising Star Sokmean Chea – Rising Star Indonesia Rochmali Zultan – Rising Star Wongrat Ratanaprayul – Patent Star, Trademark Star Thailand Alan Adcock – Patent Star, Trademark Star Darani Vachanavuttivong – Patent Star, Trademark Star Kasama Sriwatanakul – Rising Star Sukontip Jitmongkolthong –Trademark Star Vietnam Linh Duy Mai – Rising Star Linh Thi Mai Nguyen – Trademark Star Loc Xuan Le – Patent Star, Trademark Star Trung Nguyen – Trademark Star The annual IP Stars rankings are based on extensive independent research, including client and peer feedback, market analysis, and recent case highlights. For more information and to browse the full rankings, please see the IP Stars website.

Phnom Penh Office

Phnom Penh Office

15th Floor, Unit 1501, Flatiron, Street No. 102 Phnom Penh City Center, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, 120210