Intellectual Property: A Critical Component for Vietnam’s Economic Growth and Innovation
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), asserted that intellectual property (IP) is a vital tool for protecting innovations and a foundation for fostering creativity. It enables Vietnamese businesses to participate in the global value chain.
However, many businesses still do not pay sufficient attention to IP, resulting in a complex situation of IP infringements in Vietnam.
Statistics from the first half of 2025 reveal a disturbing trend: over 50,419 cases related to smuggling, counterfeiting, and IP violations were detected and handled, with the value of infringing goods amounting to thousands of billions of VND. Notably, there was an 18% increase in detected and handled cases related to trademarks compared to the same period last year, and a nearly 30% increase compared to two years ago.
The proliferation of counterfeit and knock-off products undermines the reputation of legitimate businesses, severely impacts consumers’ rights, and distorts the business environment.
Mr. Nam highlighted that IP violations are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with a significant shift to e-commerce and social media platforms. Infringers are exploiting new technologies in complex ways, making it challenging to combat these illegal activities.
A considerable number of businesses underestimate the importance of registering and protecting their IP rights, which hinders the effectiveness of efforts to combat violations.
In this context, Resolution 57/NQ-TW dated December 22, 2024, issued by the Politburo, provides a much-needed compass. It emphasizes the need for breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. The resolution mandates the development and improvement of laws related to IP, digital assets, and data, thereby protecting innovations, fostering creativity, and ensuring a fair and competitive business environment.
In line with this resolution, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has formulated Action Plan 01-KH/DUB, which was launched on August 7, 2025. This plan outlines six key tasks, including supporting innovative businesses, preventing IP violations, and promoting the development of the digital economy.
Notably, the Law on Product and Goods Quality Control 78/2025/QH15, which will come into force on January 1, 2026, marks a significant turning point, according to Mr. Nam. This law introduces additional provisions for quality control, enhances traceability, promotes supply chain transparency, and ultimately strengthens the fight against counterfeiting and IP violations.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nam, Deputy Director of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development (Ministry of Industry and Trade), speaks at the forum “Perfecting Intellectual Property Policies – A Driving Force for Business Innovation” organized by the Enterprise Forum in collaboration with TAT Law Firm, the National Intellectual Property Office, and the Innovation Council on August 26 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: TM
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Building on this foundation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade continues to develop and implement related circulars, including mandatory traceability requirements for eight high-risk product groups such as food and consumer goods. The goal is to establish a robust mechanism for collaboration between the government, businesses, and consumers to ensure transparency and effective market supervision.
Given the current situation and the introduction of new policies, Mr. Nam proposed several solutions from the perspective of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development to eradicate IP violations at their root.
A priority is placed on inspection and enforcement campaigns, with a particular focus on counterfeiting and IP violations nationwide, especially in the digital realm.
Additionally, modern technologies such as the National Goods Traceability Data System, which integrates artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data analytics, will be leveraged to detect IP violations in real time.
The protection of digital assets is also coming into focus, with the pilot of a digital asset exchange aiming to prevent the copying and counterfeiting of intellectual property. Businesses are encouraged to utilize blockchain technology to safeguard their IP rights.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, VCCI, and business associations, in collaboration with foreign partners, will enhance knowledge sharing, provide training, and offer consulting services to small and medium-sized enterprises—the most vulnerable segment when it comes to IP violations.
Building an innovative ecosystem and prioritizing resources for research and development of technologies to protect IP rights are considered essential steps toward a sustainable digital economy.
– 18:54 26/08/2025
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