KENFOX Shares Practical IP Protection Strategies for Chinese Businesses Expanding into Southeast Asia at ASPEC Webinar
On July 8, 2026, as part of the ASPEC Webinar under the “IP Plus” series, Mr. Nguyen Vu Quan, Partner & IP Attorney at KENFOX IP & Law Office, was invited to deliver a presentation entitled “Protecting IP in Southeast Asia: Risks, Case Studies, and Practical Solutions for Chinese Businesses.” The webinar attracted significant interest from Chinese businesses and intellectual property professionals.
Against the backdrop of Southeast Asia’s growing importance as a destination for Chinese companies engaged in manufacturing, distribution, franchising, e-commerce, and long-term investment, Mr. Nguyen Vu Quan emphasized that market expansion inevitably brings substantial intellectual property risks. A trademark that is well protected in China is not necessarily protected in Vietnam or other ASEAN countries. Many businesses also fail to secure registrations for their Chinese-character marks, transliterations, translations, or local commercial names, while bad-faith trademark filings continue to pose a significant challenge across many Southeast Asian jurisdictions.
The presentation focused on three key themes: Common Cross-border IP Risks, IP Support Policies, and Practical Strategies. Drawing on practical experience and real-world case studies, Mr. Nguyen Vu Quan provided valuable insights into cross-border IP risks, available support mechanisms, and strategic approaches that enable businesses to proactively prevent and address IP disputes when expanding into Southeast Asia.
One of the key messages throughout the presentation was that brand protection in Southeast Asia is not merely about obtaining trademark registrations. Rather, businesses should adopt a comprehensive strategy that includes early filing, accurate filing, continuous monitoring, and strategic enforcement to minimize legal risks and safeguard the long-term value of their brands.
The webinar generated an overwhelmingly positive response from the Chinese IP community, far exceeding its originally scheduled duration. Planned as a one-hour session, the webinar extended to nearly three hours, with more than 100 IP practitioners and IP rights holders remaining engaged until the very end.
The success of the webinar reflects the practical value and professional expertise that KENFOX continues to bring to the international business community. Mr. Nguyen Vu Quan’s presentation not only enhanced participants’ understanding of the IP risks and protection strategies relevant to Southeast Asia, but also sparked in-depth discussions on the importance of developing effective brand protection strategies from the earliest stages of market entry. KENFOX’s invitation to speak at the event further underscores the firm’s growing reputation and recognized expertise in advising on and enforcing intellectual property rights in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.