---
title: Practical Guide to the Vietnamese Trademark System｜IP Vietnam, Revision in 2022, and Exercise of Rights under the Triple Axis, as Thoroughly Explained by a Patent Attorney
description: Thorough explanation of the Vietnamese trademark system (Intellectual Property Law of 2005) by a patent attorney, covering IP Vietnam application, via...
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 2026/05/23

# Practical Guide to the Vietnamese Trademark System｜IP Vietnam, Revision in 2022, and Exercise of Rights under the Triple Axis, as Thoroughly Explained by a Patent Attorney

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Designed for professionals responsible for trademark applications, registration, and enforcement in Vietnam, this guide centers on **the 2005 Intellectual Property Law (Luật Sở hữu trí tuệ 2005)** and systematically outlines the full scope of trademark practice in this manufacturing hub of over 100 million people—covering IP Vietnam (formerly NOIP: Vietnam Intellectual Property Office) operations, government fees, designations via the Madrid System,**sound and 3D trademarks introduced by the 2022 amendments**, and measures against counterfeit goods—systematically organizing the full scope of trademark practice in this manufacturing hub with a population exceeding 100 million. A patent attorney will explain the essential information for brand protection in the Vietnamese market, where Japanese companies (Toyota, Honda, Canon, Panasonic, etc.) are actively expanding.

Key Points of This Article

- Vietnam’s current system is based on **the 2005 Intellectual Property Law**, which has undergone three major amendments **in** 2009, 2019, and **2022 (effective January 2023)**
- The 2022 amendment enabled the registration of **sound trademarks and new types of protected subject matter**, while also strengthening regulations against malicious applications
- Vietnam **joined the Madrid System in 2006**. Japanese companies can designate Vietnam via the Madrid System
- Foreign applicants **must appoint a local agent (IP Agent)**
- Examination System: **Formal examination → Publication (5-month opposition period) → Substantive examination → Registration**
- Standard processing time is **16–24 months**; customs measures, administrative enforcement, and criminal prosecution are effective against counterfeit goods
- A three-pronged approach**—administrative sanctions, criminal prosecution, and civil litigation**—is key to trademark infringement enforcement in practice

VIETNAM TRADEMARK

A comprehensive guide to the trademark system and practices in Vietnam, Southeast Asia’s largest manufacturing hub, written by a patent attorney. This book systematically explains everything from IP Vietnam applications to compliance with the 2022 amendments and counterfeit goods measures across 12 sections.

### Table of Contents

1. [Executive Summary](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec1)
2. [Basic Structure of the System and Legal Sources](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec2)
3. [Applicant Eligibility and Required Documents](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec3)
4. [Standard Process and Timeline Management](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec4)
5. [Estimated Government Fees](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec5)
6. [Trademark Requirements and the 2022 Amendments](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec6)
7. [Opposition and Invalidity Proceedings](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec7)
8. [Enforcement of Rights and Response to Infringement (Three-Pronged Approach)](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec8)
9. [Designation via the Madrid System](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec9)
10. [Maintenance, Renewal, and Cancellation](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec10)
11. [Risks Specific to Japanese Companies and Countermeasures](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec11)
12. [Practical Checklist for Japanese Companies](https://www.evorix.jp/en/blog/vietnam-trademark-guide#sec12)

## 1. Executive Summary

Vietnam’s trademark practice is a statutory framework centered on **the 2005 Intellectual Property Law (Luật Sở hữu trí tuệ 2005)**, with **Decrees (Nghị định)** and **IP Vietnam’s examination guidelines** governing applications, examinations, and disputes. While influenced by the socialist legal system, significant modernization is underway to align with international agreements such as the TRIPS Agreement, CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP.

Four Key Points to Keep in Mind for Trademark Practice in Vietnam

1. There are two application methods: **“direct filing” and “filing via the Madrid System (joined in 2006).”** The former requires a local agent, while the latter offers a simpler procedure.
2. Government fees **are denominated in VND (Vietnamese Dong)**. The application fee for one class is approximately VND 1,000,000 (about 6,000 yen), making it the lowest cost in Southeast Asia
3. Key issues in examination include **absolute grounds for refusal (distinctiveness and public order/morals) and relative grounds for refusal (conflict with prior trademarks)**. **The 2022 amendment strengthened regulations against malicious imitation applications**
4. Enforcement of rights can proceed simultaneously through three channels**: administrative sanctions (Market Management Department and Economic Police), criminal prosecution, and civil litigation**. **Customs measures (Decree 105)** are crucial for combating counterfeit goods

## 2. Basic Structure of the System and Legal Sources

### Key Legislation and Operational Layers

The “primary law” of the Vietnamese trademark system is **the 2005 Intellectual Property Law (Luật Sở hữu trí tuệ)**, which stipulates trademark protection in Article 72 et seq.Following three major amendments in **2009, 2019, and 2022 (effective January 2023)**, the system has been modernized into a contemporary framework. Procedural operations are detailed in **Decree No. 65/2023/ND-CP** and **the IP Vietnam Examination Guidelines**, which are referenced by examiners and practitioners.

### Role of IP Vietnam (formerly NOIP)

Administrative functions such as trademark examination, registration, and information provision are the responsibility of **IP Vietnam (Cục Sở hữu trí tuệ Việt Nam)**, which operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology (Bộ Khoa học và Công nghệ). In 2022, its name was changed from “NOIP (National Office of Intellectual Property)” to “IP Vietnam.” Its headquarters are in Hanoi, with regional offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

### Judicial Forums and Administrative Enforcement Agencies

| Agency | Jurisdiction and Characteristics | Legal Basis |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Market Surveillance Agency** | **Administrative sanctions** for trademark infringement, fines, and seizure of inventory | Decree 99/2013 |
| **Economic Police** | Crackdown on large-scale and organized infringements; criminal prosecution | Criminal Procedure Code |
| **People's Court (Civil)** | Civil lawsuits for trademark infringement (injunctions and damages) | Civil Procedure Law |
| **People's Court (Criminal)** | Criminal Cases Involving Trademark Infringement (Imprisonment and Fines) | Criminal Code §192, §226 |
| **Customs (General Department of Customs)** | Import Prohibition (Border Measures Based on IPR Registration) | Decree 105/2006 |

**Practical Importance of a Three-Pronged Approach:** In Vietnam, administrative sanctions are **faster and less costly** than court litigation. Immediate seizure of inventory and imposition of fines by the Market Management Authority are the primary measures against infringing goods. We utilize a combination of criminal prosecution for serious cases and civil litigation for commercial resolutions.

## 3. Applicant Eligibility and Required Documents

### Applicant Eligibility

In Vietnam, both individuals and corporations may file trademark applications. **Foreign applicants (those without an address or place of business in Vietnam)** are **required to appoint a locally registered trademark agent (IP Agent)** (Article 89 of the IP Law). Japanese companies typically file applications with IP Vietnam through a local agent.

**Relaxation of POA Requirements:** Since 2017, the Power of Attorney (POA) **no longer** requires **notarization or consular certification** (a simplified POA is acceptable). Submission of the original document within one month of the filing date is sufficient.

### Required Documents

| Documents | Practical Points |
| --- | --- |
| **Application Form** | IP Vietnam’s electronic filing system or paper filing. Vietnamese |
| **Trademark Specimen** | JPEG/PNG (80×80 mm standard). For color trademarks: color sample + color description; for 3D trademarks: views from six directions; for sound trademarks: musical notation + audio file (supported under the 2022 amendment) |
| **Designated Goods and Services** | 45 classes of the Nice Classification. **Multi-class applications are permitted**; fees apply per class |
| **POA** | Mandatory for foreign applicants. Simplified POA accepted (no notarization or consular certification required) |
| **Priority Documents** | When claiming priority under the Paris Convention, submit with an English translation within three months of the filing date |

## 4. Standard Process and Timeline Management

① Filing (IP Vietnam electronic filing)  
↓  
② Formal examination (approx. 1 month)  
↓  
③ Trademark publication (within 2 months)  
↓  
④ Opposition period (5 months from publication)  
↓  
⑤ Substantive examination (9 months)  
↓  
⑥ Response to rejection → Notice of intent to  
register ↓  
⑦ Payment of registration fee →  
Issuance of registration certificate ↓  
⑧ Renewal every 10 years

**Estimated Duration:** In smooth cases, **approximately 16–24 months from filing to registration**. If a notice of grounds for refusal is issued, allow approximately **24–30 months**, taking into account the response period (3 months).

## 5. Estimated Government Fees

| Item | Fee (VND) | Conversion to Japanese Yen (for reference) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Application Fee (1 class; up to 6 goods/services)** | VND 1,000,000 | Approx. 6,000 JPY |
| **Additional Goods/Services (per item)** | VND 200,000 | Approx. 1,200 yen |
| **Additional category (per category)** | VND 1,000,000 | Approx. 6,000 yen |
| **Substantive examination fee (per class)** | VND 550,000 | Approx. 3,300 yen |
| **Opposition fee** | VND 550,000 | Approx. 3,300 yen |
| **Registration fee (per class)** | VND 360,000 | Approx. 2,200 yen |
| **Renewal fee (1 category, within the deadline)** | VND 1,000,000 | Approx. 6,000 yen |

**Among the lowest in Southeast Asia:** With an application fee of just VND 1,000,000 (approx. 6,000 yen) per class, it is the most cost-effective option in ASEAN. This lowers the barrier to entry for Japanese companies and **facilitates the registration of multiple classes and trademarks**.

## 6. Trademark Requirements and the 2022 Amendment

### Registerable Trademarks (Significantly Expanded by the 2022 Amendment)

- **Word Marks** (Vietnamese, Romanized, Chinese characters, etc.)
- **Figurative trademarks and combined trademarks**
- **Three-dimensional trademarks (3D Marks)**
- **Sound Marks** — **Registered for the first time under the 2022 amendments**
- **Color Trademarks** (limited to color combinations)
- **Collective marks and certification marks**

### Key Points of the 2022 Amendment (Effective January 1, 2023)

Five Key Amendments for Japanese Companies

- **Registration of Sound Marks Now Possible** (CPTPP Compliance)
- **Strengthened Regulations on Bad-Faith Imitation Applications—**Easier to Prevent Imitation of Foreign Brands
- **Extension of the opposition period from 3 months to 5 months**
- **Strengthened Protection for Well-Known Trademarks** (Protection Expanded to Include Non-Similar Goods)
- **Digitization of Cancellation Proceedings**

### Absolute Grounds for Refusal (IP Act §73)

- Lack of Distinctiveness (Descriptive and Customary Marks)
- Violation of public order and morals
- Trademarks Likely to Cause Confusion
- Unauthorized Use of National Flags, Emblems, or Emblems of International Organizations
- Three-dimensional trademarks consisting solely of functional shapes

### Relative grounds for refusal (IP Law §74)

- Similarity to Prior Applications or Registered Trademarks
- Similarity to a well-known trademark (may include dissimilar goods)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s name or likeness
- Names registered as geographical indications

## 7. Opposition and Invalidity Proceedings

### Opposition During the Publication Period (IP Act §112)

Any person may file an opposition **within five months** of the trademark publication **(extended from three months to five months by the 2022 amendment)**. The opponent may base the opposition on either absolute or relative grounds for refusal.

### Post-Registration Invalidity Proceedings (IP Law §96)

Any interested party may file a request for invalidation **with IP Vietnam** within five years of registration (no time limit in cases of bad faith or violation of public order and morals). Unlike in Japan, where trials are conducted within the Patent Office, these cases are handled as **rulings by the Director General of IP Vietnam**.

### Cancellation for Non-Use (IP Law §95)

If **the mark has not been used for five consecutive years** following registration **without justifiable cause**, interested parties may file a request for revocation with IP Vietnam. While Vietnam’s requirements are slightly more lenient than Japan’s (3 years), it is important to commence use as soon as possible after registration.

## 8. Enforcement of Rights and Response to Infringement (Three-Pronged Approach)

In Vietnam, a three-pronged approach**—"administrative sanctions," "criminal prosecution," and "civil litigation"**—can be pursued simultaneously against trademark infringement. In practice, Japanese companies tend to **utilize administrative sanctions most frequently due to their speed and cost-effectiveness**.

### Administrative Sanctions (Most Practical)

Immediate action by the Market Management Authority

- **Seizure and destruction of infringing goods**
- **Fines** (up to three times the value of the infringing goods, maximum VND 250,000,000 = approx. 1.5 million yen)
- **Temporary suspension of business license**
- Processing time: Typically **30–60 days** (fast)

### Criminal penalties (IP infringement + Criminal Code §§ 192, 226)

| Types of Violations | Penalties |
| --- | --- |
| **Trademark Counterfeiting (Individuals)** | Up to 3 years’ imprisonment + a fine of up to VND 1,000,000,000 (approx. 6 million yen) |
| **Trademark counterfeiting (corporations)** | A fine of up to VND 5,000,000,000 (approx. 30 million yen) + suspension of business operations |
| **Large-scale Infringement (Health Hazards, etc.)** | Up to 15 years’ imprisonment + a fine |

### Civil litigation (People’s Court)

Trademark owners may file civil lawsuits with the People’s Court to seek **injunctions and damages**. Since it takes 1 to 2 years for a judgment to become final, **administrative measures** are **more effective for the immediate removal of infringing goods**.

### Border Measures at Customs (Decree 105)

Trademark owners can stop the import of infringing goods by registering an IPR Recordal **with the General Department of Customs**. The Recordal must be renewed every two years, and the registration fee is VND 1,000,000 (approx. 6,000 yen).

## 9. Designation via the Madrid Protocol

Vietnam **acceded to the Madrid Protocol in July 2006**, allowing Japanese companies to designate Vietnam through the Madrid System. By filing [an international trademark application](https://www.evorix.jp/madrid-protocol-trademark) via [the Madrid Protocol](https://www.evorix.jp/madrid-protocol-trademark) through the Japan Patent Office, you can designate all 132 member countries, including Vietnam, in a single application.

| Item | Direct Filing | Via the Madrid Protocol |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Local Agent** | Required | Not required (only when responding to a rejection) |
| **Language of Filing** | Vietnamese | English |
| **Review Period** | 16–24 months | Mandatory examination **within 18 months** |
| **Fees (1 class)** | VND 1.9 million + Agent fees | CHF 100 + JPO fees |

## 10. Maintenance, Renewal, and Cancellation

The term of a Vietnamese trademark right is **10 years from the filing date**. It can be renewed every 10 years, with no limit on the number of renewals. Applications can be filed **starting six months before** the renewal deadline, and there is **a** six-**month grace period** after expiration (subject to a surcharge).

## 11. Risks Specific to Japanese Companies and Countermeasures

### Brand Imitation Applications (Scooping)

**A pitfall unique to Vietnam:** Imitation applications for Japanese brands remain frequent. Even well-known brands such as Honda, Toyota, and Sony have been victims of imitation in the past. Although **regulations against imitation were strengthened by the 2022 amendment**, early filing before entering the market (preferably simultaneously with the Japanese application) remains the strongest defense.

### Importance of Vietnamese-Language Notation

Japanese companies should consider **registering** not only **Romanized trademarks but** also **Vietnamese phonetic translations**. For example, by separately registering a Vietnamese phonetic translation of “Honda” (e.g., “Hông Da”), you can prevent counterfeit applications using the local language.

### Effectiveness of Counterfeit Crackdown

Counterfeit goods continue to circulate in the Vietnamese market. Comprehensive measures combining **cooperation with the Market Management Authority and Economic Police,** along with **customs Recordal registration**, are essential. It is recommended that local subsidiaries of Japanese companies maintain an ongoing relationship with an IP Vietnam registration agent.

## 12. Practical Checklist for Japanese Companies

### Pre-filing

- Conduct **prior trademark searches** using the IP Vietnam database
- Consider filing **a Vietnamese phonetic translation** of **the trademark**
- Check for conflicts with Geographical Indications (GI) (especially for agricultural products and food)
- Decide between direct filing and filing via the Madrid Protocol (based on the number of designated countries)

### During Prosecution

- POA must be filed within one month of the filing date
- Claim of Paris Convention priority must be filed within 3 months of the filing date
- Monitoring for conflicts during the opposition period (5 months) following publication
- Strictly adhere to the response deadline (3 months) for handling rejections

### Post-filing (Enforcement / Maintenance)

- Commence use within 5 years of registration (to prevent cancellation for non-use)
- Register **IPR** with **Customs** to implement border measures against counterfeit goods
- Begin renewal proceedings 6 months prior to expiration; ensure completion within the 6-month grace period
- If infringement is discovered**, prioritize filing an administrative enforcement complaint with the Market Regulation Bureau** (fastest route)
- For large-scale or organized infringement, consider filing criminal charges in coordination with the Economic Police

## Summary

Vietnam’s trademark system has undergone significant modernization, featuring **a statutory framework centered on the 2005 Intellectual Property Law**, as well as **enhancements introduced by the 2022 amendment**—such as **strengthened protection for sound trademarks and well-known trademarks**. For Japanese companies to successfully establish their brands in the Vietnamese market, **early trademark applications (preferably including Vietnamese phonetic translations) prior to market entry**, along with **a rights enforcement strategy based on the “3+1” approach—administrative sanctions, criminal complaints, civil litigation, and customs measures**—are essential.Please also see our [Madpro international trademark application](https://www.evorix.jp/madrid-protocol-trademark) and [trademark registration services](https://www.evorix.jp/trademark-service).

### Consultation on Trademark Applications in Vietnam

EVORIX Intellectual Property Law Firm provides comprehensive support for trademark applications and enforcement in major ASEAN countries, including Vietnam. Our experienced patent attorneys handle everything from strategic planning for direct applications and Madrid Protocol filings to counterfeit measures (administrative, criminal, civil, and customs), concurrent applications for Vietnamese transliterated trademarks, and coordination with local agents.

[Go to the Inquiry Form →](https://www.evorix.jp/inquiry) [View the Consultation Process](https://www.evorix.jp/consultation)

## Sources & Reference Materials

### ▼ Primary Legislation

- **Intellectual Property Law No. 50/2005/QH11 (2005)** + Amendments of 2009, 2019, and 2022
- **Decree No. 65/2023/ND-CP** (Detailed Rules for the Implementation of the 2005 Intellectual Property Law)
- **Decree No. 99/2013/ND-CP** (Administrative Sanctions for IP Infringement)
- **Decree No. 105/2006/ND-CP** (Customs Measures)
- Vietnamese Criminal Code §192, §226 (Criminal Penalties for Trademark Counterfeiting)

### ▼ Official Sources

- **IP Vietnam (formerly NOIP) Official Website**: [ipvietnam.gov.vn](https://ipvietnam.gov.vn)
- **WIPO IP Portal (Vietnam)**: [wipo.int](https://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/ip_country/vietnam.html)
- **WIPO Lex (Vietnam IP Laws Database)**: [wipo.int/wipolex](https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/index.html)
- **Member of the Madrid Protocol (2006)**: WIPO Madrid System

### ▼ Explanatory Materials from Japanese Organizations

- **JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)** Report: "Intellectual Property System in Vietnam"
- **Japan Patent Office** “Information on Foreign Industrial Property Rights Systems (Vietnam)”
- **INPIT (National Institute of Industrial Property)** Intellectual Property Information on Emerging Countries

### ▼ International Agreements

- **TRIPS Agreement** (Vietnam acceded upon joining the WTO in 2007)
- **Paris Convention** (Vietnam acceded in 1949)
- **Madrid Protocol** (Vietnam joined in 2006)
- **CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)** (Entered into force in 2019)
- **EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement)** (Entered into force in 2020)
- **RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership)** (Entered into force in 2022)

\*This article is based on the above primary sources and official information as of April 2026 and is intended to provide general information. As laws and regulations are subject to change, we recommend consulting primary sources and experts for the latest information. For specific decisions regarding individual cases, we recommend consulting experts, including local agents.

![杉浦健文 弁理士](https://www.evorix.jp/hubfs/HP-%E5%BC%81%E7%90%86%E5%A3%AB%E7%B4%B9%E4%BB%8B-%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%83%95%E3%82%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E7%94%BB%E5%83%8F.png)

AUTHOR / Author

Takefumi Sugiura

**Representative** Patent **Attorney**, EVORIX Intellectual Property Firm

Assists clients across a wide range of industries—including IT, manufacturing, startups, fashion, and healthcare—with everything from patent, trademark, design, and copyright applications to trials and infringement litigation. Also well-versed in intellectual property strategies for cutting-edge fields such as AI, IoT, Web3, and FinTech. Member of multiple organizations, including **the Japan Patent Attorneys Association, the Asian Patent Attorneys Association (APAA), and the Japan Trademark Association (JTA)**.

[→ View Full Patent Attorney Profile](https://www.evorix.jp/staff) [→ Consultations & Inquiries](https://www.evorix.jp/inquiry) [→ Consultation Process](https://www.evorix.jp/consultation)

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---

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---

 

Copyright © 2026, Intellectual Property Law Firm EVORIX® All rights reserved. 

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