INTA Provides Intellectual Property Education in Vietnam - International Trademark Association

Recognizing the expansive growth of and demand for education on intellectual property (IP) across Asia, INTA sponsored a one-day program on July 5 in Hanoi with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam (NOIP), the Vietnam Intellectual Property Association (VIPA), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), entitled “Protecting Designs and Trademarks for Vietnamese Enterprises.”

VCCI President Vu Tien Loc presented opening remarks, noting that Vietnam has made a strong commitment to IP through international channels. Vietnam was an early adopter of the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks, joining the Madrid Agreement in 1949-the first country in Southeast Asia to do so.

Mr. Loc pointed out that the current information-technology economy and fourth industrial revolution were built on a foundation of respect for IP. But until Vietnamese enterprises protect their IP more proactively, he said, advances in the economy cannot be made. He advised IP stakeholders to pay attention to the “intangible economy,” of which IP is the most significant part.

NOIP Deputy Director Le Ngoc Lam noted that international integration is the best way for Vietnamese enterprises to bring value back to the country. International registration mechanisms such as the Madrid System and Hague System can facilitate the protection of valuable company assets in the most efficient way, he opined. The tools provided by WIPO can contribute to the economic development of Vietnam by allowing companies to quickly and effectively protect assets and move into the international market, he added.

WIPO Singapore Office Director Denis Croze discussed the increasing need to protect IP in the context of the Internet. “The globalization of markets and the cross-border data flows enabled by the Internet are providing new opportunities for businesses and consumers,” he remarked. “That’s why it is important to protect your intellectual property rights-whether patents, trademarks, industrial designs, or geographical indications.” Importantly, he noted, the business applicability of these newly filed innovations could immediately and safely be exploited in the market, creating opportunities for continued investment in Vietnam.

NOIP Deputy Director, Industrial Design Division, Nguyen Quang Tuan discussed how designs are protected currently in Vietnam, providing case studies of frequently rejected designs. WIPO Senior Program Officer, Singapore Office, Peter Willimott pointed out that registering designs is not insurance against infringement, but rather an investment-as the value of the right can far exceed the costs of fees involved in registration.

INTA’s Chief Representative, Asia-Pacific, Seth Hays introduced INTA member Pathompong Rojsurakitti (TC Pharmaceuticals, Thailand) to provide key insights from a brand owner in Southeast Asia. Mr. Rojsurakitti presented an overview of his company’s management of its trademark rights and portfolio across the world, noting that the company’s licensing in particular is tightly controlled and monitored. He explained that TC Pharmaceuticals takes a broad-based and integrated approach to IP enforcement in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, working with a variety of IP enforcement authorities, including NOIP, the Vietnam Intellectual Property Research Institute, the Inspectorate of Ministry of Science Technology, and customs officials. Mr. Rojsurakitti praised the invaluable and crucial work of these government authorities.

INTA’s Asia Pacific Representative Office, based in Singapore, represents the Association’s 789 members across the region. Working in collaboration with staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City, the Asia Pacific Representative Office leads the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives throughout this region. To learn more about INTA’s activities in the Asia Pacific, please contact INTA Chief Representative Officer Seth Hays at [email protected].

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of items in the INTA Bulletin, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.