Vietnam Reinforces Intellectual Property Enforcement Amid International Cooperation Efforts

Vietnam is intensifying its efforts to address intellectual property (IP) violations through a comprehensive legal framework and enhanced enforcement measures, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. Speaking at a regular press briefing on May 14, 2026, Hang emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to strictly handling every act of IP infringement while promoting transparency and cooperation with international partners, including the United States.

Vietnam has progressively improved its IP legal framework since the 2005 Intellectual Property Law, with subsequent amendments culminating in the 2025 revised version. These reforms align domestic regulations with the requirements of new-generation free trade agreements and reflect a modernized approach to IP protection.

The country’s efforts have garnered recognition from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), with Vietnam ranking 44th out of 139 countries and economies in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII). This ranking places Vietnam among the leading ASEAN nations demonstrating positive progress in innovation and IP protection.

Beyond legislative improvements, the Vietnamese government has issued multiple directives to bolster IP enforcement and combat smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and other infringements. Notably, Prime Ministerial Directive No. 02/CT-TTg dated January 30, 2026, focuses on strengthening IP enforcement, alongside a targeted project addressing counterfeit goods and consumer protection in e-commerce through 2025.

Most recently, Prime Ministerial Official Dispatch No. 38/CĐ-TTg, issued on May 5, 2026, mandates vigorous implementation of measures to address IP infringements, signaling a renewed governmental push to enhance this sector. Hang underscored that these actions reflect Vietnam’s consistent policy to integrate IP protection with sustainable development goals and to cultivate a secure, transparent investment and business environment.

In practical enforcement terms, Vietnamese authorities have collaborated closely with technology firms, cross-border platforms, and service providers to identify and resolve numerous IP issues. Throughout 2025, market surveillance forces handled 3,306 IP infringement cases in traditional markets and 599 cases related to e-commerce and social media platforms.

Additionally, over 1,200 websites suspected of copyright and related rights infringements were blocked. The number of criminal proceedings, prosecutions, and trials concerning IP violations increased compared to the previous year. Customs authorities also uncovered and acted upon multiple large-scale cases involving counterfeit and infringing goods.

Hang called on rights holders, platform providers, and relevant stakeholders to enhance their responsibilities in monitoring, preventing, and addressing IP infringements on their platforms. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to combat violations effectively.

The spokesperson also urged the business community, particularly exporting enterprises, to heighten awareness and compliance with IP laws. Enterprises are encouraged to avoid producing, trading, or distributing counterfeit or infringing goods and to proactively safeguard their intellectual assets. Cooperation with competent authorities and rights holders is vital for detecting and mitigating IP infringements.

“This shared responsibility is essential to building a healthy, transparent business environment and enhancing the reputation of Vietnamese enterprises and Vietnam’s image in international economic and trade cooperation,” Hang stated.

Vietnam has called on the United States to provide fair and balanced assessments of its IP protection and enforcement achievements. Hang reiterated Vietnam’s openness to sharing information and clarifying its policies and regulations with international partners to constructively address differences. This approach aims to foster a transparent, healthy investment climate in Vietnam and promote international cooperation on intellectual property matters.