The Government of Vietnam has issued Decree No. 341/2025/NĐ-CP, introducing updated administrative sanctions for violations of copyright and related rights. The Decree is scheduled to enter into force on February 15, 2026, and represents a significant step toward strengthening copyright enforcement, particularly in the digital environment.

While the statutory maximum administrative fines remain unchanged at VND 250,000,000 (approx. EUR 8,200) for individuals and VND 500,000,000 (approx. EUR 16,300) for organizations, the Decree substantially increases fine levels for specific categories of infringement. This recalibration is intended to enhance the deterrent effect of administrative sanctions by imposing more meaningful financial consequences on infringing activities, thereby reinforcing respect for intellectual property rights and discouraging repeat violations.

The Decree also introduces enhanced compliance obligations for intermediary service providers and collective management organizations. Intermediaries are now required to inform users of potential legal liabilities and to establish internal mechanisms for managing and responding to copyright-related issues. At the same time, collective management organizations must publicly disclose search information relating to unlocatable rights holders, promoting greater transparency and accountability in royalty collection and distribution.

In addition, the new framework imposes administrative sanctions for breaches of copyright exceptions and limitations. This includes failures to properly identify authors or sources when works are used under statutory exceptions, underscoring the continued protection of moral rights even where authorization is not required. These provisions seek to balance lawful access with respect for authors’ rights and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Finally, the Decree reflects Vietnam’s recent administrative restructuring toward a two-tier governance model by recognising expanded enforcement authority at the local level. This decentralisation is intended to strengthen on-the-ground enforcement, reduce pressure on higher-level agencies, and improve the overall effectiveness of administrative copyright protection.

Overall, Decree No. 341/2025/NĐ-CP marks an important development in Vietnam’s copyright enforcement regime, supporting a more transparent, accountable, and robust legal environment for creative industries and the digital economy.

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