Da Nang Authorities Detain Three in Major Online Copyright Infringement Case Involving English Ebooks

Da Nang City police have taken decisive action against an online piracy network involved in the unauthorized reproduction and sale of copyrighted English-language ebooks nationwide. On June 10, authorities announced the arrest and temporary detention of three suspects as part of two criminal cases filed for copyright infringement.

Investigations revealed that the suspects illegally copied hundreds of copyrighted ebook titles and uploaded them onto various websites and Facebook pages. These digital platforms were then used to market and sell the pirated content to learners throughout Vietnam.

The illicit operation had been active for an extended period, generating illegal revenues exceeding VND1.5 billion. The case was uncovered through the efforts of the Economic, Corruption, Smuggling and Environmental Crime Investigation Division of Da Nang Police, which intensified its focus on intellectual property violations in cyberspace following directives from the Government and the Ministry of Public Security.

In the course of the investigation, police collaborated closely with the Vietnam Education Publishing House to verify the authenticity of numerous copyrighted titles that had been unlawfully reproduced and distributed.

Based on the evidence gathered, the authorities initiated two criminal cases on charges of “infringing copyright and related rights” and ordered the temporary detention of the three suspects involved.

The investigation remains ongoing as police seek to identify additional participants and fully assess the scope of the infringement network.

Da Nang Police emphasized their commitment to strengthening enforcement against intellectual property violations, particularly those occurring online. The public has been urged to support legitimate copyrighted products and avoid engaging with unauthorized copying, distribution, or sales of intellectual property.

This enforcement action aligns with Vietnam’s broader strategy to enhance intellectual property protection. The Government aims to increase the handling of IP violations by at least 20% in 2026 compared to 2025, covering all stages from investigation and prosecution to trials and administrative penalties.

Vietnam has also expressed readiness to engage in ongoing consultations and information exchanges with the United States following a Section 301 investigation initiated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative concerning intellectual property protection and enforcement.

In recent months, the Ministry of Public Security’s Investigation Security Agency has launched criminal proceedings against multiple cases involving alleged copyright and related rights infringements at various companies and organizations, reflecting a nationwide intensification of IP enforcement.

These comprehensive efforts, including legal reforms, stricter enforcement measures, and anti-counterfeit campaigns, underscore the strategic importance of intellectual property as a pillar of Vietnam’s digital economy and innovation-driven growth model.

The Da Nang case serves as a prominent example of the country’s commitment to combating digital piracy and protecting creators’ rights in the evolving online environment.