Power of Attorney for Trademark Filing in Vietnam

When a trademark applicant uses an intellectual property representative, a power of attorney is one of the key documents in the process. It authorises the representative to act before the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam. This article explains its role and requirements.

What a power of attorney does

A power of attorney (POA) is a document by which the applicant authorises a representative to carry out procedures on its behalf. In trademark matters, it allows the representative to file the application, respond to office actions, pay fees and otherwise handle the case. Foreign applicants without a residence or establishment in Vietnam must act through a licensed IP representative, which makes the POA an essential document for them.

When it is required

A power of attorney is needed whenever the applicant appoints a representative rather than dealing with the office directly:

• Foreign applicants filing through a Vietnamese IP agent.
• Domestic applicants who choose to be represented.
• Ongoing procedures such as responses, renewals or recordals handled by a representative.

What the document should contain

A valid power of attorney generally identifies the applicant and the representative, describes the scope of authority granted, and is signed by a person with authority to bind the applicant. In practice a simple signed POA is usually acceptable, and legalisation or notarisation is generally not required, though requirements can vary depending on the circumstances. The POA can often be submitted shortly after filing where the exact document is not ready on the filing date.

Frequently asked questions

Does the power of attorney need to be notarised or legalised?

A simple signed POA is usually sufficient and legalisation is generally not required, but you should confirm the requirements for your specific situation.

Can I file the application before the POA is ready?

In many cases the application can be filed first and the POA submitted within a short period afterwards.

Can one power of attorney cover several trademarks?

A general POA can often cover multiple matters, but it should be drafted clearly to reflect the intended scope.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law prepares powers of attorney, acts as the appointed representative before the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam and manages trademark procedures for local and foreign clients — contact our team.

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