Sigma Tobacco International Visits and Holds Working Session with Kenfox: Strengthening Cooperation in Protecting Tobacco Trademarks Against Cross-Border Counterfeiting

On June 1, 2026, KENFOX IP & Law Office had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Sigma Tobacco International to its Hanoi office for a working meeting focused on intellectual property (IP) protection strategies, particularly in light of the growing trend of trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and the production and distribution of counterfeit tobacco products across Southeast Asia.

Representing KENFOX at the meeting were Mr. Nguyen Vu Quan, IP Attorney and Director of KENFOX, together with the firm’s team of attorneys and IP enforcement specialists. The meeting was conducted in an open, professional, and highly constructive atmosphere, focusing on the assessment of legal risks associated with intellectual property infringement in the tobacco industry, as well as effective enforcement measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of trademark owners in Vietnam and across the region.

Updates on Key Developments in Vietnamese IP Law and Emerging Enforcement Trends

During the meeting, Mr. Nguyen Vu Quan and KENFOX’s IP attorneys provided Sigma Tobacco International with an overview of significant developments in Vietnam’s intellectual property legal framework, including the amendments introduced under the 2025 Law on Intellectual Property and the new implementing regulations that came into effect in 2026. [View here]

In particular, KENFOX highlighted Directive No. 13/CT-TTg dated May 17, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister, which calls for strengthened measures to combat smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeiting, and intellectual property rights infringement in the new context.

According to VnExpress, as of May 27, relevant ministries, agencies, and local authorities had detected and handled 1,438 cases involving intellectual property rights infringements. Of these, 1,146 cases were subject to administrative sanctions, while 28 cases resulted in criminal prosecution. The total amount of administrative fines imposed for IP rights violations reached approximately VND 12.6 billion, and the value of the infringing goods was estimated at nearly VND 36 billion.

KENFOX noted that the recent trend toward stronger enforcement is creating more favorable opportunities for international businesses to implement brand protection and anti-counterfeiting programs in Vietnam more effectively.

Discussion on Practical Challenges in Protecting Tobacco Trademarks

Mr. Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of Sigma Tobacco International, shared the challenges the company has been facing in relation to the unauthorized copying, counterfeiting, and illicit distribution of its tobacco trademarks across multiple markets in the region.

Notably, Mr. Alexander reported that several tobacco brands owned by Sigma Tobacco International are being counterfeited by infringers in Cambodia, causing significant harm to the company’s commercial reputation, distribution network, and consumer interests.

In response to this situation, Sigma Tobacco International requested KENFOX’s assistance in developing and implementing a comprehensive IP protection strategy. This strategy would include investigating the sources of infringing products, collecting evidence, coordinating with enforcement authorities in both Vietnam and Cambodia, and exploring appropriate customs monitoring, civil, administrative, and criminal enforcement measures against organizations and individuals involved in the manufacture and trade of counterfeit goods.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in anti-counterfeiting and IP rights enforcement in Vietnam, KENFOX shared practical legal solutions for addressing cross-border intellectual property infringements and counterfeit-related activities.

Expanding International Cooperation in Intellectual Property Protection

The visit and working session of Sigma Tobacco International further reaffirm the confidence that international businesses place in KENFOX’s expertise in intellectual property advisory, enforcement, and dispute resolution services in Vietnam. Through practical discussions on the proliferation of counterfeit tobacco products and the challenges of trademark protection across Southeast Asia, both parties had the opportunity to exchange experiences, assess legal risks, and explore appropriate enforcement strategies for addressing cross-border infringement cases.

The meeting also laid a solid foundation for closer cooperation between KENFOX and Sigma Tobacco International in the future, particularly in anti-counterfeiting initiatives, investigations, and enforcement actions against trademark infringement. Through this collaboration, both parties aim to enhance the effectiveness of intellectual property protection and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of IP rights holders in Vietnam and across the region.