03 March

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Why Trademark Opposition is a Must in Vietnam?

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Download Many trademark owners might think that examiners at the Vietnam Intellectual Property Office (“VNIPO”) will automatically reject trademark applications that are strikingly similar to existing marks, but reality can differ surprisingly. The assumption that very similar trademarks, especially those registered for similar or related goods and services, will certainly be rejected is a common misconception. Due to unforeseen reasons during the examination process, even marks that appear confusingly similar can sometimes be granted protection. Therefore, if one becomes aware of a new trademark application in Vietnam that is substantially similar to their prior mark, especially for the same type of...

24 February

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Zhong Wu vs. ZHONGYU: Analyzing Trademark Differences Based on Which Principles in Vietnam?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Download Appealing a trademark refusal decision from the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (VNIPO) presents significant legal challenges, even with a single ground for refusal. Facing multiple grounds compounds the difficulty. However, KENFOX IP & Law Office recently succeeded in overturning a refusal for a trademark filed through the Madrid System designating Vietnam, despite the mark being rejected on three distinct grounds. What persuaded the VNIPO to reconsider its initial conclusion and ultimately recognize the distinctiveness of a trademark previously rejected for containing Chinese characters and exhibiting similarities to two cited marks? What lessons can be learned from this successful appeal? Background In...

17 December

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“The Know Before You Go”: A Crucial Guide for Chinese Trademark Owners in Vietnam/ “行前须知”：中国商标持有人在越南的必备指南

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in News, Trademark

It is with great honor that we announce the contribution of our senior partner, Mr. Nguyen Vu Quan, to the INTA country guide "The Know Before You Go", specifically the Vietnam Chapter for Chinese enterprises. Mr. Quan's dedication and extensive expertise have enabled him to provide in-depth and practical insights on a variety of trademark-related issues, crucial for addressing the complex IP landscape in Vietnam. 我们非常荣幸地宣布，本所高级合伙人阮武权先生（Nguyen Vu Quan）为INTA国家指南“出行须知”（The Know Before You Go）做出了贡献，特别是为中国企业撰写了越南章节。权先生凭借其奉献精神和丰富的专业知识，对各种商标相关问题提供了深刻且实用的见解，这对于应对越南复杂的知识产权格局至关重要。 Answering questions for INTA’s country guides demands not only time and effort but also profound expertise and practical experience. This is particularly true in the context of Vietnam, where IP...

27 November

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“Fabrilcar” vs. “FABRICA” and “FABRICAIR”: How to successfully appeal a trademark refusal in Vietnam?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark, Vietnam

Vietnam – On 16/10/2024, the IP Offfice of Vietnam (“IP VIETNAM“) issued a Decision on acceptance of IR No. 1470915 for the mark “Fabrilcar” in the name of Aspöck Systems GmbH, withdrawing its provisional refusal decision and terminating a lengthy 4-year appeal process. This is a great victory for our client, Aspöck Systems GmbH, an Austrian company that specializes in developing and manufacturing lighting systems for vehicles, founded in September 1977....

19 September

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Trademark Law in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Overview

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

Unlike many jurisdictions, Vietnam doesn't have a standalone trademark law. Instead, the country's legal framework for trademarks is seamlessly integrated into its broader Intellectual Property Law (IP Law). This comprehensive law was first enacted in 2005 and has since undergone significant amendments in 2009, 2019, and 2022 to align with the evolving international IP landscape. While a distinct "Trademark Law" is absent, all aspects concerning trademarks are meticulously regulated within the overarching IP Law....

22 August

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Manufacturing for Export Only: Does it Constitute Trademark Infringement? – Rulings from China and Practices in Vietnam

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark, Vietnam

The production of goods bearing trademarks that are identical or confusingly similar to those of others for export is a controversial issue in the field of intellectual property (IP). In both China and Vietnam, the production of goods bearing foreign trademarks for export under the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model has become prevalent in recent years. Foreign commissioning parties enter into processing contracts with domestic manufacturers to produce goods bearing their trademarks for export. However, in many cases, the trademarks affixed to the goods for export are identical or confusingly similar to a registered trademark in the domestic market. Whether...

20 August

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Handling Trademark Infringement in Vietnam: 8 Key Considerations

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark, Vietnam

Even with a registered trademark and a favorable opinion from the Vietnam Intellectual Property Research Institute (VIPRI), winning a trademark infringement case is not guaranteed. IP disputes in Vietnam are becoming increasingly sophisticated and unpredictable, meaning there's always a risk of failure, even when the odds seem in your favor. To navigate this complexity, it's essential to develop a comprehensive IP protection and enforcement strategy that considers all potential risks. This approach helps minimize legal exposure and improves your chances of successfully combating IP infringement....

07 August

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From China to Vietnam: Can Unfair Competition Law Be Used to Address Trademark Squatting?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark, Vietnam

In China and Vietnam, the legal landscape for trademark protection is undergoing significant transformations. For years, rights holders have struggled to combat the widespread practice of trademark squatting, where bad-faith actors exploit the "first-to-file" principle to register and hoard trademarks, unfairly profiting from the efforts of legitimate owners. However, recent court rulings, such as Bayer v. Li Qing and Emerson v. Hemeiquan, have begun to shift the landscape, interpreting unfair competition laws more broadly. These decisions have created new legal tools that empower brand owners to protect their IP rights. These changes in the legal system are reshaping how businesses...

10 July

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Gathering Convincing Evidence: The Key to Success in Protecting Non-Traditional Trademarks in Vietnam

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark, Vietnam

In intellectual property (IP) disputes involving non-traditional trademarks (such as product shape, color, fragrance, sound, moving images, etc.), gathering compelling evidence to prove the link between the non-traditional element and the brand plays a crucial role and directly affects the outcome of the case. Failure to prove the distinctiveness of non-traditional trademarks can lead to serious legal risks for the owner, such as trademark refusal, loss of exclusive rights to the non-traditional element, and trademark infringement lawsuits....

31 May

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Facing a Trademark Refusal in Vietnam? Learn How to Appeal and Win

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

Have you invested time and effort into crafting the perfect trademark, only to see it rejected by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam)? Don’t give up! Trademark refusals can be frustrating, but they aren’t necessarily the end of the road. There are still options for challenging the decision and potentially securing your trademark registration. Our firm, KENFOX IP & Law Office provides a clear breakdown of the appeal process in Vietnam, equipping you with critical information to pursue a successful appeal....