Vietnam Advances Intellectual Property Awareness to Foster Innovation and Creativity

In Vietnam, traditional practices such as watching films on free websites, downloading e-books, or using unlicensed software are gradually being reconsidered as the country intensifies its focus on intellectual property (IP) rights. This shift accompanies the growing role of science, technology, innovation, and the digital economy as key drivers of national development.

Ha Trang, a second-year university student in Hanoi, exemplifies this change. Previously accustomed to downloading study materials and films from free online sources due to financial constraints, she recently gained new insights after attending an intellectual property lesson. “I realized that behind every e-book, song, or film is the labour of many people,” she reflected.

Le Huy Anh, Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Office under the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighted the challenges posed by the rapid sharing of information in the digital environment. He noted that many still perceive free use of intellectual products as normal, leading to widespread unauthorized copying and distribution of e-books, films, music, and software. “Most of these acts do not stem from deliberate intent to violate the law, but from a lack of understanding or habits formed over a long period,” he explained. However, in an economy increasingly driven by knowledge and innovation, awareness of IP is becoming a critical factor for competitiveness.

Historically, tangible assets like land, factories, and machinery were the main growth drivers. Today, intangible assets—including inventions, software, brands, data, and creative products—play an increasingly decisive role. This evolution means that intellectual property concerns extend beyond scientists, businesses, and management agencies to every individual engaged in digital life.

The Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW underscores the necessity of breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation to enhance labor productivity, growth quality, and economic competitiveness. Within this framework, intellectual property is recognized as a vital component of the innovation ecosystem.

Lawyer Nguyen Thanh Ha from SB Law emphasized that IP rights protect not only authors and businesses but also the country’s creative environment. “Behind every invention, work or technological solution is a process of investment in effort, time and resources,” Nguyen stated. Without effective protection, motivation for creativity and research investment could diminish.

This perspective is echoed in major Party and State guidelines. Conclusion No. 51-KL/TW of the Politburo, which continues the implementation of Directive No. 36-CT/TW, stresses the importance of improving IP work effectiveness. It regards intellectual property rights as a key resource supporting economic, social, scientific, technological development, and innovation.

Vietnam’s legal framework on intellectual property continues to evolve, aligning with international commitments and the digital economy’s demands. New regulations have been introduced to strengthen copyright protection online, promote technology transfer, and facilitate the commercialization of research outcomes.

Deputy Director Le Huy Anh reiterated that in the knowledge economy, intellectual property is a crucial resource for economic growth and national competitiveness. He described IP as both a protective tool for creators and a mechanism to encourage research, technology transfer, and practical application of research results. “To develop an effective innovation ecosystem, it is necessary to create an environment in which intellectual assets are protected, exploited and commercialised in a convenient manner,” he said.

Vietnam’s progress is reflected in international rankings. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, Vietnam maintained its 44th position among 139 countries and economies, signaling positive strides in building a knowledge- and technology-based economy. Nonetheless, experts agree that further improvements in IP protection and exploitation environments are essential for continued advancement.

Enforcement of intellectual property rights has also seen notable improvements. Lawyer Tran Thanh Ha emphasized that fostering innovation requires an environment where creative achievements are respected and protected. “This is not only the responsibility of management agencies but also requires the participation of the whole society,” she said.

The implementation of Official Telegram No. 38/CD-TTg by the Prime Minister, which directs decisive action to combat IP infringement, demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to restoring a business environment that respects intellectual labor. However, Tran Thanh Ha cautioned that enforcement must be ongoing rather than episodic. “We should not act only in the form of a campaign, after which everything returns to normal once the campaign ends. Enforcement needs to be carried out proactively, drastically and regularly, with sufficient deterrence,” she stated.

She further stressed the importance of instilling respect for intellect and creativity from an early age. “Our children need to be educated in a culture of respecting intellect and creativity from the time they are still at school,” Tran Thanh Ha concluded.

Vietnam’s evolving IP landscape reflects a broader national strategy to harness innovation and creativity as engines of sustainable economic growth, supported by legal reforms, enforcement efforts, and public education.