Prime Minister Manet Hun has underscored the growing importance of intellectual property protection in supporting the expansion of Cambodia’s sports industry, as the government seeks to transform sport into a major economic sector.

Speaking at the National Institute of Physical Education and Sport during the inauguration of a new building and the presentation of teaching certificates and bachelor’s degrees in physical education, the prime minister called for closer collaboration between government agencies and the private sector to unlock the commercial potential of sports.

He encouraged the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to strengthen partnerships, introduce incentives for investors and support the development of sports-related products, tourism and digital innovation.

The prime minister stressed that modern sport extends far beyond recreation and is increasingly driven by intellectual property assets such as trademarks, copyrights, licensing agreements, broadcasting rights and sports technologies. As Cambodia’s sports sector continues to expand, he said a strong IP framework will be essential for attracting investment, fostering innovation and creating new business opportunities.

His remarks build on the government’s emphasis on the connection between IP and sport during the observance of World Intellectual Property Day 2026 in April. Marking the occasion, Hun Manet highlighted the theme “Intellectual Property and Sport,” noting that effective IP protection can help athletes, sports organizations and businesses maximize the value of their innovations, brands and creative works.

Cambodia has taken steps to strengthen its IP ecosystem through laws protecting trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs and geographical indications. The government has also established the National Committee for Intellectual Property Management and expanded cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization to support IP development and enforcement.

According to Chamroeun Vath, secretary general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia, the government’s increased focus on intellectual property comes at a crucial time for the sports sector. While the industry has significant potential to contribute to economic growth, he noted that IP-related challenges, including unauthorized use of brands and other protected assets, remain concerns as commercial activities continue to expand.

“We are happy to see this level of attention from the government,” Vath said. “It is something the sports sector has been waiting for.”

The renewed emphasis on intellectual property reflects Cambodia’s broader strategy of leveraging IP as a tool for economic development, positioning sports not only as a source of national pride but also as a growing industry built on innovation, creativity and protected commercial value.

- Asia IP