Vietnam Launches Nationwide Campaign to Intensify Crackdown on Intellectual Property Violations

Vietnam has commenced a nationwide campaign from May 7 to May 30, 2026, aimed at dismantling high-traffic websites and organizations operating platforms that infringe on copyrights. The campaign targets violations involving films, music, video games, industrial property rights, and counterfeit goods, with strict penalties applied.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed market surveillance forces to intensify inspections and supervision, focusing particularly on industrial property infringement and counterfeit trademarked goods. The Ministry aims to increase the number of cases handled by at least 20% compared to May of the previous year.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment: “We have assigned our Department and market surveillance agencies to intensify inspections during May and subsequent months. Enforcement efforts will concentrate on counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringements, especially in major urban hotspots. Additionally, amendments to the Market Surveillance Ordinance are planned for the 2027 legislative agenda.”

Alongside this, the Ministry of Finance has instructed customs authorities to collaborate closely with relevant agencies to strengthen inspections of import and export goods along maritime, aviation, and border trade routes. Customs officers are authorized to suspend clearance procedures when clear evidence of intellectual property rights infringement is found.

Dang Thanh Dung, Deputy Head of the Anti-Smuggling and Trade Fraud Investigation Division at the Customs Department, stated: “The Ministry of Finance and Customs Department have vigorously implemented measures targeting illegal transshipment, counterfeit goods, and IP infringements. We are determined that in May alone, the number of cases handled involving counterfeit goods and IP violations will increase by at least 20%.”

In the digital realm, numerous websites have ceased operations, and several online platforms have publicly committed to complying with Vietnamese law. This reflects Vietnam’s departure from operating in legal gray areas concerning intellectual property rights.

Recent years have seen increased administrative and criminal penalties for digital copyright violations. The dismantling of illegal networks and criminal prosecution of platform operators indicate a shift from primarily administrative sanctions to tougher enforcement against large-scale operations.

This nationwide campaign sends a strong message about creating a level playing field for law-abiding businesses and legitimate enterprises. It also reflects a broader transformation in the Government’s approach to managing copyright-infringing content in the digital environment.

Whereas enforcement previously was largely reactive and complaint-driven, authorities are now adopting a proactive, centralized, campaign-based governance model. The Government’s direct involvement underscores that copyright protection is no longer the responsibility of individual ministries or agencies alone but forms an integral part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to develop its digital economy and improve the investment environment.

Vietnam’s more assertive enforcement of intellectual property rights is expected to bolster international investor confidence in the country’s technology and digital content markets.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed Official Dispatch No. 38 directing nationwide authorities to intensify measures to combat, prevent, and strictly handle intellectual property rights violations starting May 7, 2026.

Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that resolute action against IP violations is a high priority and consistent policy. She highlighted the Government’s commitment to building a healthy, transparent business environment and transforming its growth model with science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers.