Several general principles are important for effective management of intellectual property rights (IPR) in Vietnam. First, it is important to have an overall strategy to protect your IPR. Second, IPR protection in Vietnam may be different from in the United States. Third, rights must be registered and enforced in Vietnam, under Vietnamese laws. Protection against unauthorized use in a particular country depends, basically, on the national laws of that country. Consequently, a U.S. trademark or patent registration will not be effective in Vietnam.

Being a member of the World Trade Organization and World Intellectual Property Organization, Vietnam’s IP legislation covers most aspects of protection of IP in accordance with the international standards required by the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement). However, Vietnam’s IP enforcement mechanisms still need improvement, and awareness of the importance of IPR protection among Vietnamese consumers’ needs to be raised. Vietnam has been listed on the Watch List in the United States Trade Representative’s Special 301 Report for over a decade, and it remains on the Watch List in 2020. Tan Thanh Market in Lang Son and Saigon Square Market in Ho Chi Minh City are also listed in the USTR’s 2023 Notorious Markets report.

The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam) oversees the IP registration, where the IPR owners can file applications for trademarks, patents, designs, layout-design of integrated circuits, and geographical indications registration. The granting of patents and registering of trademarks are based on a first-to-file basis. Companies should consider how to obtain patent and trademark protection before introducing their products or services to the Vietnam market.

Vietnam is a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (known as the Madrid System). Patent and trademark applicants may use these international systems for filing international patent and trademark applications for requesting protection in Vietnam. The country is also a member of the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The applicants may apply for protection of new varieties of plants at the Plant Variety Protection Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The Copyright Office of Vietnam (COV) administers copyright protection law. Although copyrights can be protected in Vietnam without any registration requirement, formal recordation of copyrights at the COV is recommended as it would be useful as evidence of ownership in the event of a dispute. A copyright notice should also be affixed to the copyrighted work. Trade secrets, such as data, formulas or other confidential information used in business, may be protected in Vietnam, if the owner provides appropriate measures to maintain the secrets.

It is the responsibility of the IPR holders to register, protect, and enforce their rights where relevant, and retain their own legal counsel and advisors. Companies may wish to seek advice from local attorneys or IP consultants who are experts in Vietnam IP laws. It is always advisable to conduct due diligence on potential local partners, and work with legal counsel familiar with Vietnam laws to create a solid contract that includes non-compete clauses, and confidentiality/non-disclosure provisions.

It is also recommended that small and medium-sized companies understand the importance of working together with trade associations and organizations to support efforts to protect IP and stop counterfeiting. There are a number of these organizations, both Vietnam and U.S.-based, including:

• The U.S. Chamber and local American Chambers of Commerce
• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
• International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA)
• International Trademark Association (INTA)
• The Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy
• International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC)
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
• Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)

In any foreign market, companies should consider several general principles for effective protection of their intellectual property. For background, link to our article on Protecting Intellectual Property and Stopfakes.gov for more resources.

For more information you may contact:

Regional IP Attaché for Southeast Asia

Mr. Matthew Kohner

U.S. Embassy Bangkok

U.S. Commercial Service

Room 302, GPF Witthayu Tower A,

93/1 Wireless Road

Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

+66 2-205-5243

For additional information on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, visit the U.S.  Investment Climate Statement website.

For more information, contact ITA’s Office of Standards and Intellectual Property Rights (OSIP) Director, Stevan Mitchell at Stevan.Mitchell@trade.gov.