The Future of VinFast: Unveiling the Mystery of the Registered Copyright for an Unreleased Vehicle in a Far-Flung Land

Vinfast has recently filed for industrial design intellectual property protection for the limousine version of its VF 9 three-row SUV in Australia. This move comes as the special edition vehicle has not yet been officially launched to the public and was previously registered for design protection in Indonesia.

According to Australian media reports, Vinfast has filed an application with the country’s intellectual property authority to protect the design of the VF 9 limousine. The accompanying descriptive drawings reveal that this version features an extended wheelbase, aligning with the trend of developing luxury SUVs with spacious interiors.

Registering design protection in a country with a robust legal system like Australia could be a significant step in Vinfast’s potential return to the market after a period of absence. While the Vietnamese automaker has not made any official announcements regarding its business plans in this market, approximately 8.5 hours away by flight, observers speculate that this could indicate Vinfast’s consideration of re-establishing its presence in the country. This development is particularly noteworthy as Australia was once considered the strategic starting point for Vinfast’s international expansion.

In 2020, Vinfast made headlines in the global automotive industry by acquiring the Lang Lang Proving Ground from General Motors in Victoria, Australia. This nearly 900-hectare testing facility, with a history spanning over 60 years, showcased Vinfast’s commitment to developing internationally competitive products. In the same year, the company announced the establishment of a research and development (R&D) center in Melbourne, staffed with international engineers focused on developing new electric vehicle models.

Vinfast’s registration of the industrial design for the VF 9 limousine in Australia could indicate two possibilities: the company is either seeking to protect its intellectual property globally to prevent design duplication or preparing for a re-entry into this potentially lucrative market. However, it is worth noting that automakers often take similar steps worldwide, regardless of their plans to launch vehicles in those markets, as exemplified by Nissan’s Ariya model, registered in Vietnam with no intended sales.

Previously, Vinfast registered the design of this vehicle in Indonesia, a market witnessing a surge in electric vehicle demand, while also expanding its display network in the US, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and soon, Thailand.

As of mid-2025, Vinfast has established a presence in numerous countries, engaging in production, business operations, or sales planning. The US was once a key market with a planned manufacturing facility in North Carolina, while Europe remains a strategic destination for brand image and technology. Meanwhile, the company is increasingly focusing on the Asian market, as evidenced by its moves in Indonesia and, notably, India.

The VF 9 is Vinfast’s flagship model, catering to premium customers with its three-row seating, spacious interior, and smart technology. The development of the extended wheelbase (limousine) version underscores the company’s ambition to cater to luxury transportation needs.

With this legal move in Australia, Vinfast continues to expand the protective umbrella for its flagship product. While the specific plans for distributing the VF 9 limousine in Australia or the Oceania region remain unclear, industry experts believe that the design registration is a strategic step, preparing for potential future business, collaboration, or even manufacturing opportunities.