The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam: Role and How to File

The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam) is the government body responsible for administering industrial property rights, including trademarks. Anyone seeking to register a trademark in Vietnam will deal with this office. This article explains its role and how applications reach it.

Role and functions

IP Vietnam is responsible for the state administration of industrial property. In relation to trademarks, its main functions include:

• Receiving and examining trademark applications.
• Granting certificates of trademark registration.
• Maintaining the national register of industrial property rights.
• Handling renewals, amendments, oppositions and related procedures.

The office carries out both a formality examination and a substantive examination of each application.

How to file an application

Applications can be submitted to IP Vietnam through its offices, and electronic filing options are also available. Applicants generally proceed as follows:

• Prepare the dossier, including the application form, specimen of the mark and list of goods and services.
• Pay the applicable official fees.
• Submit the dossier to the office directly or through a licensed representative.

Foreign applicants without a residence or establishment in Vietnam must file through a licensed IP representative.

What to expect after filing

After filing, the office issues a filing receipt and then examines the application for formalities followed by substance. If objections arise, the office issues notices to which the applicant can respond. If the mark meets the requirements, the office grants a certificate of registration.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners file directly with the office?

Foreign applicants without a residence or establishment in Vietnam must file through a licensed local IP representative rather than directly.

Is online filing available?

Electronic filing options are available, though the appropriate method can depend on the applicant's circumstances.

Where is the office located?

IP Vietnam is headquartered in Hanoi and also has representative offices in other cities; a representative can advise on the correct channel for your case.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law files and prosecutes trademark applications before the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam and represents clients throughout examination and related procedures — contact our team.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.