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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
Phnom Penh Office
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.

Case Studies

Emerging jurisdiction market entry for global consumer bank

Advised a major U.S.-based consumer bank on its market entry into Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, including advice on offshore banking services, banking regulations, permitted banking operations, foreign exchange regulations, securities markets, doing business, and tax in each jurisdiction.

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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

December 16, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins has contributed the Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam chapters to Infrastructure and Construction in Southeast Asia, a comparative guide developed by Drew Network Asia (DNA). The publication brings together insights from leading ASEAN law firms to address common legal and practical issues faced by participants in the construction and engineering sector across the region. Covering nine major Southeast Asian jurisdictions, the guide provides concise answers to frequently encountered questions relating to infrastructure and construction projects. Topics addressed include the regulatory environment, procurement practices, project structuring, risk allocation, contracting terms, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the enforcement of arbitral awards. Each jurisdictional chapter follows a consistent question-and-answer format, enabling readers to compare legal approaches and market practices across countries. This structure highlights both areas of convergence and key differences between jurisdictions, supporting more informed decision-making in cross-border projects and investments. While the guide offers a practical regional overview, it also underscores that legal frameworks and market practices vary significantly between jurisdictions and may be shaped by local principles and industry norms. Readers seeking jurisdiction-specific advice are encouraged to contact the practitioners listed at the end of each chapter. The full guide is available for download through the button below or directly from the DNA website.
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December 12, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins has updated the Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam chapters in Multilaw’s Global Data Protection Guide, which collects expert advice from Multilaw member firms in 90 jurisdictions around the world (including a Laos chapter, which is also authored by Tilleke & Gibbins). The guide provides answers to key issues concerning the fast-developing data protection and privacy laws around the world, and helps data protection officers and in-house counsel understand how the regulatory regime for data protection can affect their organizations in various jurisdictions. Each section of the guide identifies the main laws that govern data protection in that jurisdiction, and gives a detailed overview of the legal principles in place as well as the enforcement authorities responsible for overseeing compliance. The guide also covers issues related to data subject rights, data protection officers, impact assessments, data breach notification requirements, and cross border data transfers. The use of personal data in marketing is also considered, with specific information on electronic marketing rules, cookies, and marketing to businesses and consumers. Multilaw, of which Tilleke & Gibbins is a longtime member, is a global network of carefully selected independent law firms able to provide expert legal advice in complex environments around the globe. The full guide is available for free on the Multilaw website.
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December 2, 2025
Investing in Mainland Southeast Asia is Tilleke & Gibbins’ essential guide for investors looking to do business in this vibrant region, whether it’s starting operations as a newly established entity or expanding into new territories or business models.
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September 25, 2025
Four of Tilleke & Gibbins’ labor and employment specialists in Phnom Penh have authored the Cambodia chapter of Labor and Employment Disputes 2026, the latest edition of Lexology Panoramic’s global guide to handling labor and employment disputes. The chapter provides practical insights on a wide range of dispute resolution issues, including: Pre-action considerations: key requirements, third-party funding, contingency fee arrangements Issuing a claim: forum, territorial jurisdiction, standing, commencing claims, fees, service, defendants and legal personality, types of claims, time limits, counterclaims Case management: procedure, rules, amendments to claims, adding parties, consolidating proceedings, class and collective actions, evidence, witnesses, tactical considerations Interim relief: availability, requirements Trial: hearings conduct and time frames, confidentiality and public access, media reporting, elements of successful claims and burden of proof Alternative dispute resolution: available types, requirements and expectations, enforcement Collective employment and labor rights: enforcement and standing Remedies and enforcement: available remedies, assessing compensation, enforcement mechanisms Appeals: procedure, time frames, other means of challenge Updates and trends: recent cases and developments, technology developments, other issues The full Cambodia chapter is available for download below. Tilleke & Gibbins also contributed the Thailand and Vietnam chapters to Labor and Employment Disputes 2026. Readers can also gain 30 days of complementary access to the full Labor and Employment Disputes 2026 guide and the rest of Lexology Panoramic’s varied offerings through this link.
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AWARDS & RANKINGS
March 9, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has been shortlisted in multiple firmwide and individual categories at the Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards 2026, including Regional Firm of the Year, reflecting the firm’s work across Southeast Asia and the continued development of its regional practices. In the individual categories, Aye Thuzar Hlaing has been shortlisted for Myanmar Associate of the Year (Corporate and M&A), and Linh Duy Mai has been shortlisted for Vietnam Associate of the Year (Intellectual Property). Tilleke & Gibbins has also been shortlisted in the following firm categories: Regional Firm of the Year Thailand – Law Firm of the Year Thailand – Law Firm of the Year (Litigation) Myanmar – Law Firm of the Year Vietnam – Law Firm of the Year Vietnam – Law Firm of the Year (Labor and Employment) Laos – Law Firm of the Year The winners will be announced on April 30, 2026, at the Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards ceremony in Singapore. To browse the full shortlist for the Legal 500 Southeast Asia Awards 2026, please see the Legal 500 website.
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January 30, 2026
The newly released 2026 edition of the WTR 1000 rankings from World Trademark Review once again highlights the strength and consistency of Tilleke & Gibbins’ trademark practice across Southeast Asia. The rankings reaffirm the firm’s longstanding position as a leading regional trademark adviser, with World Trademark Review noting Tilleke’s market-leading presence in the region. In the 2026 rankings, Tilleke & Gibbins’ offices in Thailand and Vietnam retained their top-tier Gold Band rankings for the 16th consecutive year. The firm’s Cambodia practice was again placed in the Highly Recommended (top tier) category, marking its fourth consecutive year in the top tier, while the Myanmar office maintained its Recommended (single tier) ranking for the seventh consecutive year. In Indonesia, the firm continued to perform strongly, earning Silver Band rankings for Trademark Enforcement and Litigation for the seventh consecutive year and Trademark Prosecution and Strategy for the second consecutive year, along with a new ranking for Trademark Licensing and Transactions. World Trademark Review does not currently publish rankings for Laos. Tilleke & Gibbins lawyers across the region also received strong individual recognition in the 2026 edition of the WTR 1000, with 26 lawyers ranked across 30 categories, including several first-time rankings and notable promotions reflecting the depth of the firm’s regional trademark team: The WTR 1000 is a trusted resource for companies and individuals seeking world-class legal assistance with trademark-related matters. The directory’s rankings are based on in-depth research to identify key firms and individuals leading the way in trademark-related legal practice. Depth of expertise, positioning in the market, level of activity, and peer and client feedback are all factored into the rankings. For more information about the rankings and to browse the full results, please visit the World Trademark Review website.
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January 15, 2026
Tilleke & Gibbins has demonstrated continued excellence across all six jurisdictions where the firm operates in the 2026 edition of the Legal 500 Asia-Pacific rankings. The recently released rankings showcase the firm’s outstanding performance with 29 practice area recognitions and 34 individual rankings—an increase from 30 individual recognitions in 2025.
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December 17, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins is pleased to announce that Jay Cohen and John Frangos have been recognized in the Lexology Index: Client Choice 2026 report as two of the world’s leading practitioners in their respective fields. Jay Cohen is recognized for his work in franchising, while John Frangos is cited for outstanding work in investigations. The Client Choice awards highlight lawyers who stand out for excellence in client care and the quality of their service. Established in 2005, Client Choice is distinctive in that winners are selected solely based on nominations from corporate counsel. Only one lawyer per practice area is recognized in each jurisdiction. This recognition reflects sustained commitment that Jay and John have shown to delivering practical, client-focused advice and achieving strong outcomes across complex and often sensitive matters. The full Lexology Index: Client Choice 2026 results are available on the Lexology website.
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Phnom Penh Office

Phnom Penh Office

+855 23 964 210
[email protected]
15th Floor, Unit 1501, Flatiron, Street No. 102 Phnom Penh City Center, Sangkat Srah Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, 120210
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