Intellectual property (IP) rights in Vietnam are protected under the Law on Intellectual Property, with registration required for most rights like patents and trademarks, which are granted on a first-to-file basis. Key protection areas include inventions, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, geographical indications, and copyright, which is protected

automatically but registration is advised. Vietnam uses international treaties like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Madrid System for international applications, and has a framework aligned with WTO and CPTPP agreements.

Types of IP Protection

Vietnam’s IP Law recognizes and protects several categories of IP, including:

• Inventions and Utility Solutions: Protect new processes or products.
• Industrial Designs: Protect novel designs of commercial products.
• Trademarks: Protect distinctive symbols, names, or logos used in commerce.
• Copyrights and Related Rights: Protect artistic, literary, and musical works.
• Trade Secrets: Protect confidential business information.
• Geographical Indications (GIs): Protect products with a specific geographical origin.

• Layout Designs of Semiconductor Integrated Circuits: Provide protection for chip designs.

• Plant Varieties: Protect new plant varieties.

Main IP Legislation

Overall Framework : Law on Intellectual Property No. 50/2005/QH11 (as amended in 2009, 2019, and 2022)

Main IP Authority

The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Viet Nam) is the main government agency responsible for IP registration, protection, and enforcement.

Web: www.ipvietnam.gov.vn