Types of Trademarks Recognised in Vietnam

Trademarks come in several forms, and Vietnamese law recognises a range of them. Knowing which category a sign falls into helps a business decide how to protect it and what documents the application will require. This article outlines the main types of trademarks used in Vietnam.

Common forms of trademarks

Most applications filed with the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam fall into these familiar categories:

• Word marks — names, letters, numerals or slogans presented in standard characters.
• Figurative marks — logos, devices, drawings or stylised graphics.
• Combined marks — a combination of words and figurative elements.
• Three-dimensional marks — the shape of a product or its packaging, where distinctive.

Non-traditional and special marks

Beyond the common forms, Vietnamese law also allows for certain special categories:

• Sound marks, which can be registered where represented in an acceptable form.
• Collective marks, owned by an organisation and used by its members under shared regulations.
• Certification marks, used to certify characteristics such as origin, material or quality.
• Well-known marks, which may enjoy protection based on their reputation even without registration in some circumstances.

Choosing the right protection

The category of mark affects the documents required and the way the mark is examined. Collective and certification marks, for example, require regulations on use. A business should identify the nature of its sign early so the application is prepared correctly.

Frequently asked questions

Can a colour alone be a trademark?

Registering a single colour is generally difficult because it must be shown to distinguish the goods or services; combinations and stylised uses are more commonly registrable.

What is the difference between a collective and a certification mark?

A collective mark identifies goods or services of members of an organisation, while a certification mark certifies specific characteristics regardless of who produces the goods.

Are sound marks accepted in Vietnam?

Yes, sound marks are recognised, provided they can be represented in a form acceptable to the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law advises on the appropriate category for each sign and prepares the corresponding application and supporting regulations where needed — contact our team.

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