22 November

Sticky

Patent refusal in Vietnam: Reasons & Suggestions for Applicants

Download Filing a patent application is a significant step towards protecting your intellectual property. However, the journey doesn't end with submission; patent applicants often encounter substantive office actions, crucial points where the patent office reviews the application in detail. Understanding these office actions is vital for a successful patent approval process. In Vietnam, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM) handles these proceedings. This article aims to shed light on substantive office actions for patent applications in Vietnam and offer insights on how to navigate through them effectively. 1. Substantive Examination Stage The substantive examination, as stipulated in Rule 15.6 of Circular...

15 September

0 Comments

Sticky

Patent Infringement in Vietnam: VIPRI’s Expert Analysis and Approach

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Patent, Vietnam

Download The Vietnam Intellectual Property Research Institute (VIPRI) is a research institution under the Ministry of Science and Technology that provides expert opinions on IP infringement cases concerning industrial property subject matters such as inventions, industrial designs, designs of semi-conducting closed circuits, trade secrets, marks, trade names, and geographical indications. How does VIPRI reach an expert opinion that there is an infringing element to a patented invention? To reach an expert opinion that there is an infringing element to a patented invention, the Vietnam Intellectual Property Research Institute (VIPRI) typically employs a multi-step process. Here are some general steps that VIPRI may take: Reviewing the patent: VIPRI will...

06 September

0 Comments

Sticky

What Are Key Considerations For International Trademark Registrations Designating Vietnam?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark, Vietnam

Download Over 9,000 international trademark applications designating Vietnam were filed annually from 2020-2022 has partly reflected the convenience and efficiency of the Madrid system in assisting IPR holders to secure protection for their brands in Vietnam. The Madrid System offers efficiency, cost savings, and a simplified approach to international trademark registration. These advantages make it an increasingly preferred option for businesses seeking to protect their brands in multiple countries, including Vietnam, as it streamlines the process and provides a cost-effective means of securing global trademark rights. Detailed regulations governing the processes and requirements for international trademark applications designated to Vietnam are meticulously...

28 August

0 Comments

Sticky

10 Key Points from Vietnam’s New IP Decree No. 65/2023/ND-CP

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in IP Practice, Notable Articles

Download In line with new regulations under the amended 2022 Intellectual Property Law (IP Law), on August 23, 2023, the Government issued Decree No. 65/2023/ND-CP (Decree) to detailing a number of articles and measures to implement the IP Law on industrial property, protection of industrial property rights, rights to plant varieties and state management of intellectual property. This Decree supersede Decree No. 103/2006/ND-CP and some parts of Decree No. 105/2006/ND-CP as amended and supplemented. KENFOX would like to provides 10 salient aspects of the Decree, shedding light on the changes and new mechanisms so that industrial property rights holders should grasp and...

26 July

0 Comments

Sticky

Black-and-White or Color Marks in Vietnam – Picking the Right Path

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark, Vietnam

Download In the fast-paced world of commerce, trademarks serve as powerful assets that distinguish one business from another. They are the face of a brand, carrying with them the goodwill and reputation built over time. Registering a trademark is a strategic move that bestows exclusive rights to its owner, providing a shield against the use of confusingly similar marks. However, the decision of whether to register a mark in black and white or its specific colors can be a complex and crucial one. To shed light on this matter, we delve into the reasons why applying for both versions may prove...

30 June

0 Comments

Sticky

An Award of Nearly VND 5 Billion for Copyright Infringement in Vietnam: What Lessons to Be Learned?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Copyright, Notable Articles, Vietnam

Download The copyright infringement case involving a substantial amount of nearly 5 billion VND (approx. USD 218,000) has garnered significant public attention and caught the interest of intellectual property rights holders. The trial took place in August 2022 at the People's Court of Binh Duong province. In this case, the defendant was ordered to compensate a substantial amount of nearly 5 billion VND. The compensation stemmed from the defendant's unauthorized installation of design software by their employees, thereby infringing upon the plaintiff's copyright ownership. The first-instance judgment ruled in favor of the plaintiff, who was the rightful owner of the copyright....

12 June

0 Comments

Sticky

Co-owned Patent Disputes in Vietnam: What to Do?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Patent, Vietnam

Download A co-owned patent arises when two or more parties jointly create an invention and seek patent protection for it. How if an invention is created by two parties, but just one party is named as inventor and owner while the other is only named as “inventor”? Can it cause any legal consequences? What can the other inventor do in such a case if the inventor who filed the patent application does not reach an amicable agreement on a co-owned patent? In recent news, the Intellectual Property Offices of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM) have been dealing with a case regarding “the right...

07 June

0 Comments

Sticky

Provisional rights to patents and industrial designs in Vietnam – What you need to know?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Industrial Design, Notable Articles, Patent

Download Vietnam's emergence as a leading destination for innovation and investment has resulted in a significant increase in patent and industrial design filings. One of the most important features of the Vietnamese IP system is the availability of provisional rights to patents and industrial designs. Provisional rights can provide patent or design owners with significant benefits even before their applications are fully examined and granted. In this article, we will explore what provisional rights are, how they work, certain requirements and limitations to provisional rights, and what patent and industrial design owners need to know to maximize their benefits as well...

24 May

0 Comments

Sticky

How to cope with patent infringement allegations in Vietnam?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Our Practice, Patent

Download As businesses continue to operate in Vietnam, the possibility of being accused of patent infringement is a looming threat. The mere accusation can cause uncertainty and worry for alleged infringers, who may face a range of negative consequences such as product seizures, lawsuits, and negative media attention. To mitigate these risks, various approaches can be taken, such as accepting the allegation, signing an undertaking letter, removing infringing products, or negotiating for a license. However, hastily accepting an IPR holder's request after an infringement accusation can result in greater legal risks. Anyone, whether a plaintiff or a defendant, should have their...

12 May

0 Comments

Sticky

How is Goods/Service Relatedness Significant for Trademark Registration in Vietnam?

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark in Vietnam

Download The nature of goods/services is one of two prerequisite factors (together with trademark itself) in determinging the registrability of an applied-for mark. Before applying for a trademark registration, it is important to consider the goods or services that the trademark will be used for. Through a practical trademark case that KENFOX IP & Law Office has successfully overcome the provisional refusal issued by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM), this article will explore the concept of goods/services relatedness and its importance in the trademark registration process in Vietnam. The factors that determine whether two goods or services are...