Vietnam’s amended IP Law takes effect on April 1, 2026
15 April 2026
Vietnam’s amended Law on Intellectual Property took effect on April 1, 2026, ushering in a period of more enhanced IP protection in the midst of challenges posed by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Some of the salient points of the amended IP Law are the following:
- Shorter timelines for the publication, opposition and substantive examinations for patents, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications
- Fast-tracked examination mechanism for patents and trademarks in specific cases
- A broader definition for industrial designs to include non-physical forms and partial designs
- Stronger obligations for internet service providers and digital platform operators to proactively protect IP rights, requiring these to align with IP, cybersecurity and ecommerce laws
- Inclusion of all categories of IP under the safe harbour regime
- Additional, stronger enforcement mechanisms for digital environments, clearer administrative and civil remedies
- Cloud services, over-the-top platforms, social media and emerging digital services are now covered by the law
- Clearer rules for protecting computer programs, backup rights, text and data use for the training of AI models and for scientific research
- Clarity on the issue of inventorship in terms of AI
- Increase of statutory damages from V500 million to V1 billion (US$19,0000 to US38,000) when damages cannot be determined
The new law supports Vietnam’s tech-powered economy and aligns its IP legal framework more closely with international best practices.
- Espie Angelica A. de Leon
