KENFOX IP & Law Office > Articles posted by Vu Thu Uyen

Lacoste: Disrupting Wholesale Counterfeit Supply in Hanoi’s Old Quarter – 1,073 Items Seized, Factory-Scale Source Neutralized, Administrative Fine Imposed

KENFOX IP & Law Office represented Lacoste in a coordinated anti-counterfeiting action targeting two apparel shops in Hanoi’s Old Quarter that, following pre-raid investigation, were confirmed to be operating as upstream wholesalers of counterfeit Lacoste garments. After compiling evidence that these locations were supplying fake “LACOSTE” and crocodile-logo apparel into the broader Hanoi retail network, we escalated the case to the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Science & Technology (IMOST) for administrative enforcement. IMOST conducted raids on the identified premises, seizing 1,073 counterfeit garments and imposing administrative fines totaling VND 183,360,000 on the two wholesalers. The seized inventory was ordered...

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Shutting Down Lookalike Packaging Through Unfair Competition Law – PROSPAN vs. PROSTIBAME

KENFOX IP & Law Office acted for Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG. (Germany), owner of the “PROSPAN” cough remedy brand ( ), and its exclusive Vietnamese distributor, SOHACO, after a Vietnamese company (VINH AN THANG LONG Investment JSC) began marketing a PROSTIBAME cough “dietary supplement” in packaging deliberately modeled on PROSPAN’s presentation. The infringer avoided direct trademark conflict by using a different word mark (“PROSTIBAME”) (), and PROSPAN’s outer packaging had not been separately registered as a “trademark” or an “industrial design” in Vietnam - making a traditional infringement claim difficult. KENFOX responded by treating the dispute as an...

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Fostering Strong Partnerships: KAYMING Visits KENFOX

Finding a trusted partner in the local market is key to ensuring the success of any intellectual property (IP) strategy. This was the insightful message shared by Mr. Eric Wang during KAYMING’s recent visit to the KENFOX IP & Law Office. The meeting was marked by in-depth and truly meaningful discussions, followed by a warm and delightful dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant. During his visit, Mr. Eric shared the significant milestones in KAYMING's impressive development history. It's clear that the dynamic and talented team, coupled with his excellent leadership, has helped KAYMING build a solid reputation over the years - rightfully...

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How to Prove Well-Known Trademark Status in Vietnam: Legal Pathways and Practical Insights

Trademark squatting is emerging as a serious legal challenge for international businesses operating in Vietnam. Numerous global brands have found themselves in disadvantaged positions when their trademarks were preemptively registered by third parties, obstructing business operations and eroding brand value. In this context, obtaining well-known trademark recognition serves as an essential legal tool, not only to prevent intellectual property infringements but also as a key solution for businesses to restore and protect their legitimate rights....

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Common Misconceptions and Legal Risks of Using the ® Symbol in Vietnam

In Vietnam, it is not uncommon for businesses to underestimate the legal significance of using the registered trademark symbol ®. Many mistakenly believe that placing the ® symbol on a trademark that is still pending registration - or even one for which no application has been filed - poses little or no legal risk. Some may view it as a harmless marketing tactic or an acceptable placeholder while waiting for registration approval. However, the reality is far more serious. Under Vietnamese law, such misuse can expose businesses to a range of legal consequences, including administrative sanctions, fines, reputational damage, and...

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Trademark Examination Processes in Vietnam: Why You Need to Monitor Every Step to Avoid Costly Delays

The trademark examination process in Vietnam involves formality examination, publication, substantive examination, and a decision on registration or refusal. The process typically takes 12 to 18 months, but can be longer if there are objections or oppositions.  With extensive practical experience, KENFOX IP & Law Office provides comprehensive representation services, assisting trademark owners in closely monitoring each step of the registration process to ensure timely, lawful execution of procedures and to avoid potential risks....

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Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Legal Framework: Opportunities and Challenges for Foreign Investors

Vietnam has developed a comprehensive legal framework for intellectual property (IP) rights that is increasingly important for foreign investors. As Vietnam’s economy integrates globally, its IP laws have evolved to align with international standards (e.g. WTO TRIPS Agreement) while addressing local enforcement challenges. KENFOX IP & Law Office, with its practical and extensive expertise in IP field, provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of Vietnam’s IP legal system, covering the main IP categories (copyright, trademarks, patents, industrial designs, trade secrets), key legislation and agencies, recent legal reforms, enforcement mechanisms, international treaty commitments, and practical guidance for foreign companies, enableing foreign trademark...

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The Vietnamese Court System: Why the 2024 Law on Organization of People’s Courts and 2025 Amendments are Deemed a “Major Judicial Overhaul”?

The People's Court system of Vietnam is undergoing one of its most significant reform periods since its establishment, with profound changes likened to a "major judicial overhaul". On June 24, 2024, the National Assembly officially passed Law on Organization of People's Courts No. 34/2024/QH15, which comprehensively replaces the 2014 Law on Organization of People's Courts (No. 62/2014/QH13). This new law, abbreviated as the 2024 Law on Organization of People's Courts, takes effect on January 1, 2025, and comprises 9 chapters and 152 articles, specifically stipulating the position, functions, duties, powers, and organizational structure of the People's Court system....

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KENFOX Attends the 2025 INTA Annual Meeting in San Diego

San Diego, California – May 2025 KENFOX IP & Law Office marked a distinguished presence at the 147th Annual Meeting of the International Trademark Association (INTA), held from May 17 to 21, 2025, in San Diego, California, United States. The event brought together over 10,000 leading intellectual property (IP) professionals from around the world, focusing on cutting-edge industry trends, emerging challenges, and strategies for global collaboration. Mr. Nguyễn Vũ Quân, representing KENFOX, actively participated in the conference, proactively engaging with numerous partners from the United States, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, and other regions. Discussions focused on pressing issues in the field...

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Binh Minh vs Binh Minh Viet: What valuable observations can be made ?

Most people believe that in cases of IP infringement, an “expert opinion” (“Assessment Conclusion”) from specialized agencies like the Vietnam Intellectual Property Research Institute (VIPRI) serves as the definitive “gold standard”, providing the most reliable scientific basis for fair judicial decisions. But the recent, protracted trademark dispute between plastics giant Binh Minh and newcomer Binh Minh Viet challenges this very assumption, making many ponder: What occurs when a conclusion of "infringement" by the premier leading expert assessment body is dismissed by the court as "just for reference"? Is the expert “shield”, so trusted by rights holders, losing its inherent value...

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