21 July

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Trademark Refusal in Cambodia: How “MONTECONO” Overcame Two Cited Marks?

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Download In the complex landscape of cross-border trademark protection, it is not uncommon for marks designated for protection in Cambodia under the Madrid System to face provisional refusals. Yet the challenge escalates significantly when the grounds for refusal stem not from similarity to a single cited mark, but to two well-established trademarks simultaneously. This is more than a procedural setback; it places the applicant before a near-impenetrable legal framework, where the line between similarity and likelihood of confusion becomes a focal point of intricate legal debate. Upon the Department of Intellectual Property of Cambodia (DIP) issuing a provisional refusal notice for...

11 July

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Easy to Register – Hard to Keep: Emerging Challenges in Trademark Protection in Laos

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Download In Laos, securing a trademark registration is streamlined by a first-to-file system. However, the true challenge for trademark owners lies in understanding and adhering to the post-registration "use" requirements. KENFOX IP & Law Office, with its consistent recognition for expertise in Lao trademark and patent law, has a proven track record of assisting international and domestic clients in both securing and enforcing their IP rights. We would like to offer a detailed overview of trademark use requirements in Laos, exploring key post-registration obligations, the implications of non-use, and practical strategies for safeguarding your valuable brand assets in the Lao market. 1....

09 July

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KENFOX Overturns Trademark Refusal for “MINIX” After Nine-Year Appeal in Vietnam

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Download KENFOX IP & Law Office has secured a significant victory for its client, Minix Technology Ltd., a Shenzhen, China-based technology company. After nine years of persistent pursuit, KENFOX successfully persuaded the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IPVN) to grant protection for the "MINIX" trademark in Class 09. This success not only affirms Minix Technology Ltd.'s legitimate rights but also establishes a valuable legal precedent for similar cases in the future. Background Minix Technology Ltd., established in 2008, is a technology company specializing in the development and production of advanced products such as mini-computers, media players, and other electronic devices. The company...

08 July

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4 Effective Appeal Strategies When a Trademark is Refused in Cambodia and Insights for International Investors

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Download KENFOX IP & Law Office successfully assisted its client, Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group Corporation Ltd., in overturning the provisional refusal of the International Registration for the trademark “達仁堂” (Da Ren Tang) in Cambodia. The Cambodian Department of Intellectual Property (DIP)'s initial decision to refuse the trademark was reversed on March 24, 2025, paving the way for the protection of this prestigious brand. Background: Trademark Refused for "Confusing Similarity" On September 19, 2024, the Cambodian DIP issued a Notification of Provisional Refusal for International Registration No. 1765517 for Tianjin Pharmaceutical Da Ren Tang Group Corporation Ltd.'s trademark “達仁堂”. The refusal...

07 July

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Letter of Consent in Vietnamese Trademark Registration: How KENFOX Helped a Client Overcome a Trademark Refusal

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] Download Vietnam's Intellectual Property Law (IP Law), along with its guiding legal documents such as Decree 65/2023/ND-CP and Circular 23/2023/TT-BKHCN, does not contain any provisions stating that a "Letter of Consent" (LOC) can automatically eliminate the risk of confusion between trademarks or automatically lead to the approval of a trademark application when such a document is submitted. This lack of a clear legal mechanism for Letters of Consent has created a significant legal gap, making the examination process unpredictable and inconsistent, especially in cases where applicants have diligently negotiated and obtained consent from the owner of the cited trademark. In practice,...

01 July

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

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Download 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. However, unlike many jurisdictions that adopt a formal registration system for well-known marks, Vietnam’s legal framework takes a case-by-case assessment approach, with a strong emphasis...

01 July

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

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Download 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,...

01 July

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Chinese-character Trademarks in Vietnam: Do You Need to Register Them in Vietnamese?

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Download In the context of deep international economic integration, foreign businesses, especially those from countries using ideographic scripts such as China, Japan, and South Korea, often face an important question when entering the Vietnamese market: “Is registering a trademark in Chinese characters (or other non-Latin scripts) sufficient for comprehensive brand protection in Vietnam, or is it necessary to additionally register a trademark in the Vietnamese language (either as a transliteration or translation)?” KENFOX IP & Law Office provides an in-depth legal analysis of this issue, helping trademark owners identify potential risks and develop an optimal trademark registration strategy in Vietnam. The Core...

01 July

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Protection of Famous Names Under Trademark Law: Lessons from the Usain Bolt Case and Vietnamese Practice

Posted by Ly Dinh

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Download The successful opposition by Usain Saint Leo Bolt ("Usain Bolt") against the trademark application "" in China stands as a prime example of how the China National Intellectual Property Administration (“CNIPA”) recognizes and protects the rights attached to a famous personal name, even where no trademark registration exists in China. The CNIPA’s decision has set a noteworthy precedent for legitimate foreign brand owners: even without formal trademark registration, individuals with a high level of fame and a strong association between their name and identity may still be afforded legal protection. Significantly, the CNIPA did not limit its assessment to...

01 July

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

Posted by Vu Thu Uyen

in Notable Articles, Trademark

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Download 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. 1. Formality Examination (approx. 1 month) Upon filing the application, the IPVN conducts a formality examination within one month of the filing date to ensure all required documents are...