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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

June 30, 2025
On March 4, 2025, Cambodia’s Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) issued Prakas No. 073/25 on Procedures for Resolving Individual Labor Disputes, replacing Prakas No. 318 on the same topic from 2001 and introducing significant changes to how individual labor disputes are filed, processed, and escalated. In addition, Prakas No. 073 outlines the roles and responsibilities of labor inspectors, the process for filing and handling complaints, and the steps for conciliation and further legal recourse, as described below. Filing a Complaint Any party to an individual labor dispute can file a complaint with the Labor Dispute Department of the MLVT or the Department of Labor at the capital or provincial level. Upon receiving a complaint, a labor inspector will review the case and may initiate either conciliation or a labor inspection. Invitation letters will be issued to the disputing parties to provide relevant information and documents. Conciliation Process Prakas No. 073 places strong emphasis on the conciliation process, introducing strict procedural rules and deadlines with clear consequences for noncompliance: If the claimant fails to provide required information within the specified deadline (or within three working days thereafter without reasonable excuse), the complaint is deemed void. If the respondent fails to attend the conciliation meeting within the deadline (or within three working days thereafter without reasonable excuse), the conciliation is considered unsuccessful, and the respondent is deemed guilty as claimed. Once all necessary information is gathered, a labor inspector will invite both parties to a joint conciliation meeting, which must be held within three weeks of the complaint being received. If the claimant fails to attend the meeting or sign the minutes without a reasonable excuse, the complaint is void. If the respondent fails to attend the meeting without a reasonable excuse, the conciliation is unsuccessful, and the respondent
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June 27, 2025
Three American giants are actively protecting their intellectual property rights against generative AI, as two legal battles commence on both sides of the Atlantic. In the UK, Seattle-based media company Getty Images accuses UK-based Stability AI of multiple IP infringements. In the US, The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios are teaming up against Midjourney, an AI startup, with their main ground being copyright infringement. Both cases are centered around questions legal minds have been posing since the introduction of generative AI: Is the output of generative AI an infringement? And who is ultimately responsible for the output, the platform or the user? Getty Images v. Stability AI Getty initially filed a claim in the High Court in 2023, which resulted in Stability applying for reverse summary judgment on the grounds that Getty had no real prospect of success, arguing that their operations took place outside the UK. However, the High Court judge hearing the case decided that the claims brought by Getty did have a real prospect of succeeding in court. Despite this, Stability saw a small victory when the court ruled that the representative action brought by Getty would not succeed due to the difficulties in identifying who qualified for the class. The proposed class was comprised of 50,000 rightsholders who alleged their rights were also infringed. Stability was successful in arguing that identifying these individuals would be challenging due to the unclear definition of the class. This current trial is centered around four main grounds: Copyright infringement. Getty accuses Stability of using content that Getty owns or has an exclusive license for when training their model, Stable Diffusion, resulting in the generated output containing substantial parts of that content. Getty is also alleging secondary copyright infringement, arguing that Stability is importing an article into the UK
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June 27, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins has contributed the Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam chapters to Taking and Enforcing Collateral Security and Guarantees in Southeast Asia, a comparative guide developed by Drew Network Asia (DNA). The publication examines the legal frameworks governing collateral security and guarantees across seven Southeast Asian jurisdictions and is intended to assist financial institutions, corporate borrowers, and cross-border investors in evaluating secured lending options in the region. The guide provides a practical overview of key issues relevant to taking and enforcing security interests—covering, among other topics, the types of assets that may be secured, the formalities and registration requirements for creating security, and the rights and procedures available in enforcement scenarios. Each chapter follows a consistent question-and-answer format to allow readers to compare approaches across jurisdictions easily. While the guide offers a high-level survey of the region’s collateral and guarantee regimes, it also notes that country-specific developments and transaction-specific considerations may affect the applicable requirements. Readers seeking detailed advice are encouraged to consult the lawyers listed at the end of each jurisdictional chapter. The full guide is available for download using the button below or directly from the DNA website.
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June 25, 2025
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is no longer a distant innovation confined to science fiction and research labs; it has become an integral part of daily business operations worldwide. Employees across industries are adopting GenAI tools at a remarkable pace—including in Southeast Asia, where a tech-savvy workforce and widespread internet and mobile access have driven early adoption. The reality facing organizations today is clear: employees are integrating GenAI into their daily work, often without official approval or clear policies. This phenomenon, often called “Bring Your Own AI,” comes out of a disconnect between organizational governance and employee behavior and reveals the urgent need for proactive AI policies and oversight. For business leaders and legal teams, GenAI is both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, these tools can deliver real business value and boost efficiency. On the other, the unsanctioned and unmonitored use of GenAI introduces substantial legal risks, such as data privacy violations, confidentiality breaches, and intellectual property issues. The widespread adoption of GenAI tools by employees, regardless of official organizational stance or guidelines, demonstrates that prohibition is neither practical nor effective. A more strategic approach involves establishing comprehensive governance policies that encourage responsible AI use while managing the risks. Organizations that take the lead in developing GenAI governance policies are better positioned to benefit from its transformative potential. The question isn’t whether GenAI will change how we work, but how quickly organizations can put the right safeguards in place to manage this change successfully. Risks of GenAI Use The use of GenAI in business operations, whether sanctioned or not, exposes organizations to a unique set of risks. The following are particularly relevant: Data security and confidentiality: General GenAI tools in the market may transmit data to external servers, retain conversation histories, and use inputs for model training.
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AWARDS & RANKINGS
September 12, 2025
The 2025/2026 edition of the IFLR1000 Asia-Pacific rankings, released by International Financial Law Review (IFLR), highlights Tilleke & Gibbins’ continued excellence in financial and corporate transactional work. The firm has maintained its strong rankings across multiple jurisdictions and practice areas while achieving notable upgrades and new recognitions, reaffirming its position as a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, Tilleke & Gibbins received firmwide rankings in key jurisdictions, including: Thailand Banking & Finance—Tier 3 Capital Markets: Debt—Tier 3 Capital Markets: Equity—Tier 3 M&A—Tier 2 Project Development—Tier 2 Restructuring & Insolvency—Tier 3 Vietnam Banking & Finance—Tier 4 M&A—Tier 3 Project Development—Tier 3 Cambodia Financial & Corporate—Tier 2 Project Development—Tier 2 Laos Financial & Corporate—Tier 2 In addition to these firmwide rankings, Tilleke & Gibbins had several standout individual recognitions, with 12 lawyers honored in the 2025/2026 individual rankings—an increase from last year’s 10. This year’s results include upgraded rankings for John Frangos and new rankings for Charupat Boon-Long, Derrick Khoo, Prisna Sungwanna, and Saravut Krailadsiri. The full list is as follows: Charunun Sathitsuksomboon—Highly Regarded, M&A, Thailand; Women Leader Charupat Boon-Long—Rising Star, M&A, Thailand (new ranking) David Mol—Rising Star, Corporate and M&A, Cambodia Derrick Khoo—Rising Star (Partner), Financial and Corporate, Thailand (new ranking) Jay Cohen—Highly Regarded, Banking, Cambodia John Frangos—Highly Regarded, Restructuring & Insolvency, Thailand (upgraded ranking) Niti Muangkote—Rising Star, Financial & Corporate and Project Development, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand Prisna Sungwanna—Highly Regarded, Financial & Corporate, Laos (new ranking) Saithong Rattana—Notable Practitioner, Project Development and M&A, Laos Santhapat Periera—Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance and M&A, Laos; Highly Regarded, Banking & Finance, Thailand Saravut Krailadsiri—Notable Practitioner, Thailand (new ranking) Tram Ngoc Bich Nguyen—Highly Regarded, M&A, Vietnam To see the full set of IFLR1000 rankings for Tilleke & Gibbins’ jurisdictions, please see the Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam pages
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September 3, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins has been shortlisted for several major honors at the upcoming Managing IP Asia-Pacific Awards 2025, reflecting the firm’s exceptional intellectual property work across the region. The firm has been shortlisted for Asia-Pacific Firm of the Year (Domestic), a prestigious category that highlights regional leadership among Asia-headquartered firms. Tilleke & Gibbins has also been recognized in six firm-of-the-year categories: Cambodia Firm of the Year Indonesia Firm of the Year Thailand Patent Firm of the Year Thailand Trademark Firm of the Year Vietnam Patent Firm of the Year Vietnam Trademark Firm of the Year Managing Partner Darani Vachanavuttivong has also been nominated for Asia-Pacific Practitioner of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the intellectual property field. For more information on the Managing IP Asia-Pacific Awards 2025 and to browse a full list of the nominees, please see the Managing IP website.
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September 3, 2025
Tilleke & Gibbins is honored to announce that the firm has been shortlisted for three prestigious categories at the Asialaw Awards 2025. This year’s shortlist reflects the outstanding work of the firm’s teams across Southeast Asia and highlights their ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional client service in the region. In the firmwide category, Tilleke & Gibbins was nominated for: Cambodia Firm of the Year Laos Firm of the Year In the individual category, Prisna Sungwanna was shortlisted for Laos Female Lawyer of the Year, joining an impressive field of nominees from other leading firms. The Asialaw Awards celebrate the most outstanding firms and lawyers across the Asia-Pacific region. The 2025 winners are set to be announced at an awards ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City in November. For more information on the Asialaw Awards 2025 and to browse a full list of the nominees, please visit the Asialaw website.
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August 21, 2025
Darani Vachanavuttivong, managing partner of Tilleke & Gibbins, has been included in the 2025 Top 15 Female Lawyers list from Asian Legal Business (ALB). The accolade highlights Darani’s notable contributions to the legal field and her consistent delivery of high-quality work. Darani is regarded as one of the most accomplished intellectual property lawyers in Asia, and under her leadership Tilleke & Gibbins has solidified its position as a powerhouse in providing business-focused intellectual property advice to companies in Southeast Asia. The Asia’s Top 15 Female Lawyers list celebrates distinguished female legal professionals across Asia who have demonstrated exceptional performance within their respective domains. In formulating the list, the evaluation team takes into account significant achievements and recent work, client engagement, reputation, and involvement in the legal community. ALB, which is owned by Thomson Reuters, publishes insights and perspectives to inform legal professionals in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The magazine also organizes various awards and rankings programs for law firms in Asia. To see the full ALB Top 15 Female Lawyers 2025 list and read the accompanying editorial, please see the August 2025 issue of ALB.
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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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