处理越南商标侵权：8 个关键注意事项

即使拥有注册商标和来自越南知识产权研究院 (VIPRI) 的有利意见，也不能保证在商标侵权案件中胜诉。越南的知识产权纠纷正变得越来越复杂和难以预测，这意味着即使胜算看似对您有利，也始终存在败诉的风险。

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.

为了应对这种复杂性，制定一个全面的知识产权保护和执行策略至关重要，该策略应考虑所有潜在风险。这种方法有助于最大程度地减少法律风险，并提高成功打击知识产权侵权的机会。

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.

凭借 15 年处理复杂知识产权案件的经验，KENFOX IP & Law Office 能够提供有价值的分析和见解，帮助权利人从法律和实践角度准确评估问题。这使客户能够做出明智、及时的决策，以便采取有效的执法和反侵权措施。

With 15 years of experience handling complex IP cases, KENFOX IP & Law Office offers valuable analysis and insights, helping rights holders accurately assess issues from both legal and practical perspectives. This enables clients to make informed, timely decisions for effective enforcement and anti-infringement measures.

1. 如何确定商标保护范围 – Determining the Scope of Trademark Protection

“商标保护范围”定义了商标受法律保护的界限。商标保护仅适用于商标注册证中列出的特定商品/服务[第65/2023/ND-CP号法令第77.2条]。因此，确定第三方的行为是否构成侵权需要评估其是否属于此范围。

The “scope of trademark protection” defines the boundaries within which a trademark is legally protected. Trademark protection applies only to the specific goods/services listed in the Trademark Registration Certificate [Article 77.2 of Decree 65/2023/ND-CP]. Therefore, determining whether a third party’s action constitutes infringement requires assessing if it falls within this scope.

如果第三方在性质、功能或目标受众与所列商品或服务不同的商品或服务上使用类似或相同的商标，则不构成侵权。但是，如果在类似商品/服务上使用并且可能使消费者对来源产生混淆，则可能被视为侵权。

If a third party uses a similar or identical trademark on goods or services that differ in nature, function, or target audience from those listed, it does not constitute infringement. However, if the use is on similar goods/services and is likely to confuse consumers about the origin, it may be considered infringement.

例如，在“HOA SEN”纠纷中，IDEA 公司在“印刷日历”上使用相同标志的行为不被视为侵权，因为该产品与 HOA SEN 公司注册的服务（即“通过通信媒体进行销售的商品展示/陈列服务”）截然不同。

For instance, in the “HOA SEN” dispute, IDEA Company’s use of an identical sign on “printed calendars” was not deemed infringement because the product was distinct from HOA SEN Company’s registered services, namely, “services of presentation/displaying of goods on communication media for sales”

对保护范围的误解可能导致对侵权的错误结论。对于“弱显著性”或“排除要素”的商标，需要仔细评估“商业印象”才能确定是否发生侵权。

Misunderstanding the scope of protection can lead to incorrect conclusions about infringement. Trademarks with “weak distinctiveness” or “disclaimed elements” require careful assessment of the “commercial impression” to determine if infringement has occurred.

虽然描述性标志通常不受商标保护，但也存在例外情况。例如，尽管看似具有描述性，但商标“NHÀ AN TOÀN”（安全屋）在越南仍受到保护，用于与家庭安全设备相关的服务。

While descriptive signs generally aren’t protected as trademarks, exceptions exist. For example, despite being seemingly descriptive, the trademark “NHÀ AN TOÀN” (SAFE HOUSE) is protected in Vietnam for services related to home safety devices.

商标保护范围就像一个“保护边界”。如果第三方的行为落入此边界内——由于商标、商品/服务相似以及可能造成混淆——则可能构成侵权。因此，在采取法律行动之前，明确定义商标的保护范围并评估第三方的行为是否构成侵权至关重要。请记住，保护范围可能因商标类型和具体案件而异。

The scope of trademark protection acts as a “protective boundary.” If a third party’s action falls within this boundary – due to similarity in trademarks, goods/services, and a likelihood of confusion – it may constitute infringement. Therefore, before pursuing legal action, it’s crucial to clearly define your trademark’s scope of protection and assess whether the third party’s actions infringe upon it. Keep in mind that the scope can vary depending on the type of trademark and the specifics of each case.

2. 如何确定侵犯商标权的要素 – Determining the Elements Infringing Upon Trademark Rights 

当与商品、包装、服务或广告相关的标志与受保护商标相同或相似，从而导致消费者混淆时，就会发生商标侵权[第65/2023/NĐ-CP号法令第77.1条]。

Trademark infringement occurs when signs used in connection with goods, packaging, services, or advertising are identical or similar to a protected trademark, leading to consumer confusion. [Article 77.1, Decree 65/2023/NĐ-CP].

侵权的关键要素：

Key Elements of Infringement:

• 与受保护商标的相似性: 标志在外观、结构、含义或发音方面必须相似或相同，从而导致与注册商标混淆。
• Similarity to the Protected Trademark: The sign must be similar or identical in appearance, structure, meaning, or pronunciation, causing confusion with the registered trademark.
• 用于相同或类似的商品/服务: 该标志用于与商标涵盖的商品或服务相同或类似的商品或服务。用于不同商品/服务的通常不构成侵权。
• Use for Identical or Similar Goods/Services: The sign is used for goods or services that are the same or similar to those covered by the trademark. Use for different goods/services typically does not constitute infringement.
• 可能造成混淆: 这是关键因素。如果消费者可能混淆商品或服务的来源，则该标志可能被视为侵权。
• Likelihood of Confusion: This is the critical factor. If consumers are likely to confuse the origin of the goods or services, the sign may be considered infringing.

相似性是否总是意味着侵权？

Does Similarity Always Mean Infringement?

• 不一定: 并非所有相似之处都会导致侵权。即使是非常相似的标志，如果用于具有不同用途、功能或目标消费者的商品，也可能不会构成侵权。每个案件都需要彻底分析诸如相似度、产品类型、目标市场和消费者群体等因素。
• Not Necessarily: Not all similarities result in infringement. Even a highly similar sign may not infringe if used on goods with different purposes, functions, or target consumers. Each case requires a thorough analysis of factors like similarity degree, product type, target market, and consumer base.
• 例外: 某些相似之处是允许的，例如在商标注册之前已经在使用的商号或公司名。
• Exceptions: Some similarities are permissible, such as when a trade name or company name was in use before the trademark was registered

3. 诉讼时效 – Statute of Limitations

虽然大多数商标侵权案件的解决都没有涉及诉讼时效问题，但遵守这些时限对于执行商标权至关重要。如果商标所有人发现侵权行为但仅发出警告而未采取进一步行动，则寻求法律追索的窗口可能会关闭。

While most trademark infringement cases are resolved without issues related to the statute of limitations, adhering to these time limits is crucial for enforcing trademark rights. If a trademark owner discovers an infringement but only issues a warning without taking further action, the window for legal recourse may close.

行政措施 – Administrative Measures:

要采取行政行动，商标所有人必须在侵权行为结束之日起（对于已完成的侵权行为）或发现侵权行为之日起（对于持续的侵权行为）2年内请求越南相关国家机构处理侵权行为。

To pursue administrative action, the trademark owner must request the relevant Vietnamese state agency to address the infringement within 02 years from the date the infringing act ended (for completed infringements) or from when it was discovered (for ongoing infringements).

民事救济 –  Civil Remedies:

民事救济的诉讼时效有所不同：

The statute of limitations for civil remedies varies:

• 3年：对于根据《民法典》第588条寻求“损害赔偿”的诉讼，诉讼时效为知识产权持有人知晓或应当知晓侵权行为之日起3年。
• 3 Years: For lawsuits seeking “compensation for damages” under Article 588 of the Civil Code, the statute of limitations is 3 years from the date the IP right holder knew or should have known about the infringement.
• 无期限：根据《民法典》第155.2条请求保护“所有权”的民事诉讼没有诉讼时效。
• No Time Limit: There is no statute of limitations for civil lawsuits requesting the protection of “ownership rights” under Article 155.2 of the Civil Code.

为了有效地执行您的商标权，请警惕诉讼时效。如果您未在规定的时间内采取法律行动，则发送停止和终止函或公证证据等行为将无效。错过这些截止日期意味着您将失去寻求救济或对商标侵权提起诉讼的权利。To effectively enforce your trademark rights, be vigilant about the statute of limitations. Actions like sending a Cease and Desist Letter or notarizing evidence will be ineffective if you don’t take legal action within the prescribed time. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to seek remedies or initiate a lawsuit for trademark infringement.

4. 争议如何阻碍知识产权侵权诉讼 – How Disputes Can Stall IP Infringement Lawsuits

您可能会对侵权者提起诉讼或采取执法行动，却不知道他们的标志已经作为工业品外观设计申请或获得保护。这种情况通常在被指控的侵权者根据第99/2013/NĐ-CP号法令第25.3(a)条提供证据时才会暴露出来。

You may initiate a lawsuit or enforcement action against an infringer without realizing that their mark has already been filed for or granted protection as an Industrial Design. This often comes to light when the alleged infringer presents their evidence under Article 25.3(a) of Decree 99/2013/NĐ-CP.

在这种情况下，行政执法机构通常会根据第99/2013/NĐ-CP号法令第27条和第28条的规定“中止”或“拒绝”处理侵权行为。同样，法院也可能根据《民事诉讼法》第214.1(d)条暂时中止案件的审理，等待知识产权争议的结果。

In such situations, administrative enforcement agencies often “suspend” or “refuse” to handle the infringement in accordance with the provisions of Articles 27 and 28 of Decree 99/2013/NĐ-CP. Similarly, the court may also temporarily suspend the resolution of the case under Article 214.1(d) of the Civil Procedure Code, awaiting the outcome of the IP rights dispute.

这些争议可能导致商标侵权诉讼程序的延迟或中止。即使商标所有人根据第99/2013/NĐ-CP号法令第27.1(b)条提供了承诺，越南执法机构通常也很谨慎，并且仍可能中止诉讼程序，直到确定是否授予被指控侵权者的标志保护，或者商标所有人的商标是否会被撤销或无效。

These disputes can lead to delays or suspensions of trademark infringement proceedings. Even with an undertaking provided by the trademark owner under Article 27.1(b) of Decree 99/2013/NĐ-CP, Vietnamese enforcement agencies are often cautious and may still suspend the proceedings until it is determined whether the alleged infringer’s sign will be granted protection or if the trademark owner’s mark will be cancelled or invalidated.

如果注册商标被指控为“恶意”获得，并且被指控的侵权者请求越南知识产权局 (VNIPO) 根据《知识产权法》第96条撤销该商标，则诉讼也可能被暂时中止或驳回。越南的《知识产权法》包含防止“滥用知识产权”的措施，如果法院认定不存在侵权并且原告的行为造成损害，则允许被告追回合理的费用和损害赔偿（第198.4条和第198.5条）。这些争议给执法机构带来了不确定性，因为如果它们过早地采取行动没收、处罚或销毁涉嫌侵权的商品，则有可能承担国家赔偿责任。

A lawsuit can also be temporarily suspended or rejected if the registered trademark is alleged to have been obtained in “bad faith,” and the accused infringer requests the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (VNIPO) to cancel the trademark under Article 96 of the IP Law. Vietnam’s IP Law includes measures to prevent the “abuse of intellectual property rights,” allowing defendants to recover reasonable costs and damages if the court finds no infringement and the plaintiff’s actions caused harm (Articles 198.4 and 198.5).

These disputes create uncertainty for enforcement agencies, as they risk state compensation liability if they act prematurely by confiscating, penalizing, or destroying goods suspected of infringement.

5. 发现侵权后，您应该发出警告还是立即采取果断的法律措施？-  Should You Issue A Warning Or Apply Decisive Legal Measures Immediately Upon Detecting Infringement?

许多企业低估了轻微或不明显的侵权行为，选择采取宽容的方式，例如发送警告信。然而，越南的知识产权侵权形势正在迅速发展，而且往往比表面上看起来更为普遍。看似轻微的侵权行为可能只是冰山一角，侵权方可能在各种平台上非法使用该商标，包括网站、电子商务、公司名称或域名。

Many businesses underestimate minor or low-visibility infringements, opting for a lenient approach like sending a warning letter. However, the IP infringement landscape in Vietnam is rapidly evolving and often more pervasive than it appears. What seems minor may be just the tip of the iceberg, with the infringing party potentially using the trademark illegally across various platforms, including websites, e-commerce, business names, or domain names.

警告信不仅可能无效，还可能适得其反。侵权者可能会巩固其地位，甚至成功注册有争议的商标。即使有异议和有利于商标所有人的专家意见，VNIPO 仍可能对涉嫌侵权的商标授予保护。

A Cease and Desist Letter may not only be ineffective but could also backfire. The infringer might solidify their position or even successfully register the trademarks in question. Even with opposition and expert opinions in favor of the trademark owner, VNIPO might still grant protection to the allegedly infringing mark.

鉴于这些风险，请考虑从一开始就采取果断的法律行动。这种方法允许您收集有价值的证据，保护商标的完整性，并为未来的维权创造有利的先例。随着您的商标声誉的提高，它更容易被模仿，因此成功的维权行动至关重要。这些胜利可以作为在 VNIPO 反对第三方商标申请的有力工具，并使未来的维权更容易。

Given these risks, consider taking decisive legal action from the outset. This approach allows you to gather valuable evidence, protect the integrity of your trademark, and create favorable precedents for future enforcement. As your trademark gains reputation, it becomes more vulnerable to imitation, making successful enforcement actions crucial. These victories can serve as powerful tools to oppose third-party trademark applications at VNIPO and make future enforcement easier.

6. 商标保护的挑战：越南知识产权注册的滥用 –  Challenges in Trademark Protection: The Exploitation of IP Registration in Vietnam

由于在越南注册商标的成本较低，一些第三方试图注册与知名品牌相似的商标，以利用其声誉来获取经济利益。这些“寄生”商标损害了原始商标的显著性，并给合法所有人执行其权利带来了重大挑战。

Due to the low cost of trademark registration in Vietnam, some third parties attempt to register trademarks similar to well-known brands to exploit their reputation for financial gain. These “parasitic” trademarks undermine the distinctiveness of the original mark and create significant challenges for the legitimate owner in enforcing their rights.

虽然越南的知识产权法允许撤销商标，但一旦寄生商标获得保护，对其提出质疑将非常困难，而且成功率很低。通常，商标要经过 12-18 个月的实质审查。如果 VNIPO 撤销注册商标，则可能意味着初步审查存在错误，并且如果侵权者已经使用该商标将产品商业化，则可能导致国家赔偿。

While Vietnam’s IP Law allows for trademark cancellation, once a parasitic trademark is granted protection, challenging it is difficult and has a low success rate. Typically, trademarks undergo a 12-18 month substantive examination. If VNIPO cancels a registered trademark, it may imply errors in the initial examination and could lead to state compensation if the infringer has commercialized products under that trademark.

知识产权案件的法官通常缺乏专业知识，严重依赖 VNIPO 或 VIPRI 等机构的专家意见。因此，法院的裁决很少与 VNIPO 的裁定相矛盾，即使错误明显，也很难撤销商标。

Judges in IP cases often lack specialized knowledge, relying heavily on expert opinions from bodies like VNIPO or VIPRI. As a result, court decisions rarely contradict VNIPO’s determinations, making it challenging to revoke a trademark even when errors are evident.

7. 关于混淆可能性的冲突观点：VIPRI 与 VNIPO – Conflicting Views on Likelihood of Confusion: VIPRI vs. VNIPO

在实践中，VIPRI 和 VNIPO 就商标事宜得出的结论之间存在差异。

In practice, there are instances where discrepancies arise between the conclusions regarding trademark matters reached by VIPRI and VNIPO.

商标所有人通常会提交 VIPRI 专家意见的请求，以支持其侵权索赔。然而，即使 VIPRI 得出存在侵权要素（即存在混淆的可能性）的结论，VNIPO 也可能发布相反的决定，对涉嫌侵权的商标授予保护。

Trademark owners often file requests for expert opinions from VIPRI to support their claims of infringement. However, even when VIPRI concludes that there are elements of infringement (i.e., likelihood of confusion exists), VNIPO may issue a contrary decision, granting protection to the allegedly infringing trademark.

这种差异虽然被解释为“评估角度不同”的结果，但却引发了人们对知识产权法适用的一致性和客观性的重大质疑。因此，即使有来自 VIPRI 的有利专家意见，您也无法完全确信自己有能力保护自己的权利。

This discrepancy, although explained as a result of “differing perspectives in evaluation”, raises significant questions about the consistency and objectivity in the application of IP law. Consequently, even with a favorable expert opinion from VIPRI, you cannot be entirely confident in your ability to protect your rights.

8. 彻底调查：在越南有效执行知识产权的关键 – Thorough Investigation: Key to Effective Enforcement of IP Rights in Vietnam

许多商标所有人不愿投入调查成本，低估或淡化了调查侵权行为的重要性。因此，他们只能从非专业的调查人员那里获得有限的信息。结果，商标所有人往往得出结论，认为侵权行为无关紧要，不太可能对其品牌产生负面影响。

Many trademark owners, hesitant to invest in investigation costs, underestimate or downplay the importance of investigating infringements. As a result, they only obtain limited information from their non-specialized investigative staff. Consequently, trademark owners often conclude that the infringement is insignificant and unlikely to have a negative impact on their brand.

实际上，侵权行为的范围和程度可能比最初看起来的要严重和广泛得多，通常涉及一个拥有隐藏供应链、仓库和分销渠道的完整网络。即使只销售一个季度，销售侵权产品的利润也足以维持侵权者一整年甚至更长时间的运营。因此，在发现涉嫌侵权产品时，至关重要的是要从高层次评估潜在的危害和风险，切勿低估或忽视它们。我们的实践经验表明，即使是看似轻微的侵权行为也需要进行全面调查，包括实地和在线调查，检查从商业设施到产品、从产品来源（国内或进口）到分销渠道的所有内容。只有通过彻底的调查，才能揭示侵权的全部情况。这使您能够做出快速、明智的决策，最大程度地减少对您的知识产权的损害。

In reality, the scope and extent of the infringement can be far more serious and widespread than initially apparent, often involving an entire network with hidden supply chains, warehouses, and distribution channels. The profits from selling infringing products, even for a single season, can sustain the infringer for an entire year or even longer. Therefore, upon discovering suspected infringing products, it’s crucial to assess the potential harm and risks at a high level, never underestimating or dismissing them. Our practical experience shows that even seemingly minor infringements warrant a comprehensive investigation, encompassing both on-the-ground and online inquiries, examining everything from business facilities to products, from product origins (domestic or imported) to distribution channels. Only through a thorough investigation can the full picture of the infringement be revealed. This enables you to make swift, informed decisions, minimizing the damage to your intellectual property.

结论 – Closing thoughts

不可否认，在越南处理知识产权侵权，尤其是商标侵权，可能会充满挑战。这些挑战包括确定保护范围、识别侵权要素，以及处理与诉讼时效和争议相关的问题。所有这些都需要对法律有深入的了解和有效的执行策略。知识产权注册流程的滥用以及相关机构评估的不一致，给商标所有人带来了重大困难。然而，这并不意味着无法取得积极成果。

Undeniably, addressing IP infringements, particularly trademark violations, in Vietnam can be fraught with challenges. These challenges range from determining the scope of protection and identifying infringing elements to navigating issues related to statutes of limitations and disputes. All of these require a deep understanding of the law and an effective enforcement strategy. The exploitation of IP registration processes and inconsistencies in assessments among relevant authorities have created significant difficulties for trademark owners. However, this does not mean that positive outcomes are unattainable.

打击商标侵权不是一场战斗，而是一场长期的旅程。它要求商标所有人制定全面的执行策略，对法律有深入的了解，并有能力识别和管理法律风险。这些是在越南成功执行和保护知识产权的关键因素。

Combating trademark infringement is not a single battle but a long-term journey. It demands that trademark owners develop a comprehensive enforcement strategy, possess a deep understanding of the law, and have the ability to identify and manage legal risks. These are the key factors for successful enforcement and protection of IP rights in Vietnam.

QUAN, Nguyen Vu | Partner, IP Attorney