If you run a business, you must take care of Intellectual Property (IP) in your home country and every country you make deals in. IP infringement is a serious concern, especially in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is a large manufacturing base. How does trademark registration in Vietnam work?
Trademark registration in Vietnam – a guide to trademark protection in Vietnam
Is trademark registration mandatory in Vietnam?
Vietnam follows the “first-to-file” principle, like China, India, etc. It means that those who register the trademark have the right to use it even if they do not own it. Registering early before entering the Vietnamese market is essential to avoid having your trademark hijacked. It costs much more to buy back your logo than to register your trademark upfront.
Trademarks in Vietnam
You can protect a trademark in Vietnam if it is a:
- letter
- word
- hologram
- image
- drawing
- combination of the above.
Trademarks based on smell and sound are not recognized.
Where to register trademark in Vietnam?
The Intellectual Property Office of Viet Nam (IP Vietnam) handles trademark registration in Vietnam. It has two offices, in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
How to register a trademark in Vietnam?
National registration
You can register your trademark in Vietnam by submitting your application directly, by mail, or online to IP Vietnam. If you are a foreign applicant without permanent residence in Vietnam, you must apply for mark registration via a lawful representative. Most documents must be in Vietnamese.
Recommended: yes, it is more time efficient.
International approach
Since Vietnam is a part of the Madrid Protocol, if you are already registered, you can fill out an international application with the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Recommended: no, it takes more time and is not always successful.
Trademark classes in Vietnam
Most businesses around the world are classified into 45 classes, known as the Nice Classification. The applicant must choose the correct class for the business scope. IP Vietnam adopted the Vietnamese version of the Nice Classification, which can be found here.
How long does trademark registration take in Vietnam?
The trademark registration process in Vietnam takes around 15-18 months.
What is the validity of a trademark in Vietnam?
A trademark in Vietnam is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed every 10 years.
How much does trademark registration in Vietnam cost?
There is a fee for trademark registration in Vietnam, but the costs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us at [email protected] for evaluation.
Protect your brand and register your trademark in Vietnam
When registering a trademark in Vietnam, the first step is a pre-registration trademark search in the registry to see if it is available. Our experts can take care of it for you. Moreover, they can help you determine the classes you need to apply to.
If the trademark was not registered or is no longer valid, we complete your paperwork and file your trademark application on your behalf. We are in charge of communication with the office in Vietnam.
Take protective measures against trademark piracy and contact us about your trademark application in Vietnam. For more information, please refer to the page Trademark Registration.
