Vietnam is implementing significant changes to its intellectual property (IP) enforcement framework, aligning with the State’s Orientation Plan No. 140/KH-BCDTKNQ18 dated December 5, 2024. These reforms aim to streamline government structures and enhance IP rights (IPR) protection mechanisms.

Under the new plan, the Directorate of Market Surveillance will merge with the Domestic Market Department, both falling under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Additionally, the Provincial Market Surveillance Departments (MSDs) will be restructured as Sub-Departments of Market Surveillance and placed directly under the management of Provincial Departments of Industry and Trade.

While the official functions and duties of the MSDs remain unchanged, the reform introduces a localized approach to market surveillance. Each province will independently develop and implement management policies tailored to its specific capacities and conditions. This decentralized system demands stronger coordination between central and local MSDs and provincial state agencies to ensure uniform and effective enforcement.

The police force, crucial in handling complex IP cases, will also undergo restructuring. The plan includes reducing intermediary levels and bolstering grassroots enforcement teams to improve efficiency and responsiveness.

The finalized restructuring plan is anticipated by the first quarter of 2025, with implementation set to begin later this year. These updates mark one of the most substantial transformations in Vietnam's IP enforcement landscape.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in Vietnam, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Hai Dinh

IP Associate

[email protected]

+84 28 73 009 678