To affirm the crucial role of intellectual property in economic and social life and to raise public awareness, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has designated April 26 each year as “World Intellectual Property Day” (IP Day). This occasion celebrates the contributions of creativity and innovation to the collective progress of humanity.
For 2025, WIPO has announced the main theme of IP Day: “IP and Music: Feel the Beat of IP.” This event is an opportunity to honor creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs—those who continuously push boundaries to bring inspiring musical works that connect communities and drive innovation.
The Vietnam Intellectual Property Office will collaborate with agencies, organizations, and IP professionals to make IP Day 2025 a truly meaningful event!
As the digital economy continues to grow and competition intensifies, protecting intellectual property has become a crucial factor for every pioneering business. Creativity is a driving force for development and a valuable asset that must be strictly safeguarded.
Recently, SBLAW successfully assisted Membee Technology Joint Stock Company in registering the copyright for its software Membership 4.0 – a modern membership management solution that Membee acquired. This strategic move helps Membee affirm its legal ownership of this technological product while also laying a solid foundation for future development.
Certificate of Copyright Registration for the Computer Software Work Membership 4.0
Membership 4.0 is an advanced membership management software designed to help organizations and businesses efficiently manage their members. With intelligent features, the software optimizes operational processes, enhances user experience, and ultimately improves business performance.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, protecting software copyrights is of utmost importance. Copyright registration enables Membee to prevent unauthorized copying and establishes a strong competitive edge in the market.
SBLAW is a law firm specializing in intellectual property, with years of experience in assisting businesses with copyright registration, trademarks, and patents. Throughout the collaboration with Membee, SBLAW provided comprehensive legal consultation, prepared all necessary documentation, and applied to the Copyright Office to ensure Membership 4.0 is legally protected.
Membee’s successful copyright registration for Membership 4.0 is clear proof of the significance of intellectual property protection in the digital age. If your business is also looking to safeguard its software or creative products, do not hesitate to contact SBLAW for expert consultation!
In an increasingly competitive market, protecting intellectual property is the key to helping businesses assert their position and achieve sustainable growth. A logo is not only a symbol of brand identity but also an invaluable asset that needs to be protected to avoid the risk of being copied or infringed upon.
Recognizing this, Dai Phuc Loc Tho Import-Export Trading and Services Co., Ltd. proactively registered the copyright for its logo design, marking an important step in its strategy to protect the brand and enhance its competitive advantage.
Certificate of Copyright for the Logo Design Work of Dai Phuc Loc Tho Import-Export Trading and Services Co., Ltd.
As a leading company in the fields of trade, services, and import-export, Dai Phuc Loc Tho is constantly expanding its market, optimizing its supply chain, and committing to delivering high-quality products and services that meet international standards. With a broad network of partners, the company has built a solid foundation, asserting its reputation in the industry.
Registering the copyright for the logo not only helps protect the brand from copying but also establishes a solid legal foundation, enhancing trust with partners and customers. This long-term strategy contributes to increasing the brand’s value in the market.
With extensive experience in intellectual property, SBLAW has accompanied Dai Phuc Loc Tho throughout the copyright registration process, from legal consultation and document preparation to completing the protection procedures. Thanks to its professionalism and dedication, SBLAW successfully helped the company protect its brand assets and assert its position in the market.
Registering the copyright for the logo is a strategic and essential move in modern business. If your company is looking for comprehensive solutions to protect its brand, contact SBLAW for expert consultation and support!
In the context of increasingly deep globalization, establishing a brand’s position in the international market is not only a goal but also a vital factor for businesses. Particularly, in strict markets such as Japan, trademark registration is not merely a legal procedure but also a robust shield protecting intellectual property and corporate reputation. With strategic vision and thorough preparation, G.O.C Export Food Processing Joint Stock Company collaborated with SBLAW on the journey to successfully register the “G.O.C FARM” trademark in Japan – marking a significant milestone in their global market expansion strategy.
Japan – one of the world’s leading economies – is renowned for its stringent legal system, especially in the field of intellectual property. Trademark registration in this country helps businesses like G.O.C not only prevent the risk of brand appropriation but also enhance credibility and trust from Japanese customers and partners. Reality has shown that many Vietnamese brands expanding into Japan without timely protection have faced prolonged disputes or even lost the right to use their trademarks in this highly potential market.
Successful Registration of the “G.O.C FARM” Trademark in Japan
Aware of these challenges and opportunities, G.O.C chose SBLAW – one of Vietnam’s leading legal consulting firms – as a trusted partner throughout the trademark registration process. From the initial stage of conducting searches, assessing protection feasibility, and preparing applications to the receipt of the official certificate, SBLAW provided a professional, systematic, and time-efficient process. Thanks to proactive strategy and extensive experience, SBLAW helped G.O.C FARM complete the registration process in Japan in less than a year – an impressive achievement in the field of international intellectual property.
Beyond registration, SBLAW also provided comprehensive consulting on long-term brand protection strategies in Japan, helping G.O.C FARM avoid potential legal risks in the future while laying a solid foundation for sustainable development in the international market.
With over a decade of experience in intellectual property, SBLAW is proud to deliver professional, effective, and reliable consulting services. The success of G.O.C FARM in Japan is not only a testament to the quality of our services but also a motivation for SBLAW to continue accompanying many Vietnamese businesses on their journey to conquer the global market.
If your business is looking for solutions to protect your brand in Japan or any other country, contact SBLAW immediately to receive in-depth consulting and the most optimal legal solutions.
For over two decades in Vietnam, Chris Freund, the founder and CEO of Mekong Capital, has not only played a crucial role in transforming the investment market but has also left a mark with renowned brands such as Pizza 4P’s, Pharmacity, F88, and YOLA. Beyond his role as an investor, he authored the book Crab Hotpot, a work that blends fiction and reality, reflecting his and Mekong Capital’s journey of overcoming challenges. With its creative value and inspirational significance, securing copyright protection for this work is a crucial step in safeguarding the author’s rights as well as the integrity of its content.
“Copyright Registration Certificate for Crab Hotpot”
Recognizing the potential risks associated with unauthorized copying or use of creative content, Mekong Capital entrusted SBLAW as its legal advisor in the copyright registration process for the translated version of Chuyện Lẩu Cua. With extensive expertise in intellectual property, SBLAW assisted Mekong Capital in completing the necessary legal procedures, ensuring that the work is comprehensively protected under Vietnamese law.
Copyright registration not only helps Mekong Capital prevent infringement but also lays a solid foundation for the effective and sustainable commercial exploitation of the book. This ensures protection against unauthorized reproduction while reinforcing the book’s value and influence within the business and investment communities.
SBLAW – A Trusted Partner in Intellectual Property Successfully Helps Mekong Capital Protect
Released in January 2022, Crab Hotpot is a 68-page story about a group of crabs in a boiling hotpot trying to escape and reunite with their families. Beyond its fictional nature, the story conveys profound lessons on perseverance, innovative thinking, and leadership—core values that have enabled Chris Freund and Mekong Capital to overcome challenges and achieve success. The book was translated into Vietnamese by the author from the original comic Crab Hotpot, showcasing a strong commitment to creativity and intellectual property protection.
With extensive experience in copyright protection, SBLAW not only assists Mekong Capital in safeguarding intellectual assets but also supports many businesses in ensuring legal protection for creative works. The success of Crab Hotpot highlights the crucial role of copyright registration and marks a step forward in raising intellectual property awareness within Vietnam’s business community.
Currently, Crab Hotpot is available on various e-commerce platforms and nationwide bookstores, ready to inspire those seeking practical insights on leadership, innovation, and sustainable business strategies. With SBLAW’s support, this book is not only well-protected but also has the opportunity to reach a wider audience and maximize its impact.
Decree No. 24/2025/ND-CP, issued on February 21, 2025, amends and supplements several articles of Decree No. 98/2020/ND-CP on penalties for administrative violations in commercial activities, production, trading in counterfeit and prohibited goods, and consumer protection. This Decree aims to update and adjust regulations on administrative penalties in these fields to ensure consistency and effectiveness in state management.
Key amendments and new provisions in Decree No. 24/2025/ND-CP compared to Decree No. 98/2020/ND-CP:
1. Supplementing penalties for the unauthorized transfer of consumer information: Decree No. 24/2025/ND-CP stipulates fines ranging from 100 to 200 million VND for organizations operating intermediary digital platforms that fail to verify the identity of entities selling products, goods, or services on their platform.
2. Increased penalties for discrimination against vulnerable consumers: The new Decree imposes fines of up to 70 million VND for acts of stigmatization or discrimination against vulnerable consumers.
3. Regulations on penalties for failing to fulfill warranty and maintenance obligations: Decree No. 24/2025/ND-CP introduces penalties for failing to fulfill or fully perform warranty and maintenance obligations for products and goods as prescribed by law.
4. Adjusting penalties for misleading advertisements: The Decree increases fines for false advertising that misleads consumers, aiming to ensure transparency and honesty in commercial advertising.
5. Supplementing regulations on business entities’ responsibilities in consumer protection: The new regulations emphasize the obligations of businesses to provide accurate information on products, goods, and services and to resolve consumer complaints.
Decree No. 24/2025/ND-CP: Amending and supplementing regulations on penalties for administrative violations in commerce and consumer protection
These amendments aim to enhance consumer protection and improve state management efficiency in commerce.
However, in addition to the aforementioned new provisions, Decree No. 24/2025/ND-CP retains the regulations of Decree No. 98/2020/ND-CP regarding the handling of acts related to the production of counterfeit goods bearing fraudulent trademarks or packaging; the sale of counterfeit stamps, labels, and packaging; and the manufacturing of counterfeit stamps, labels, and packaging, which are recognized as intellectual property infringements on trademarks and industrial designs.
Specifically, administrative fines range from VND 2,000,000 to VND 50,000,000, depending on the value and unlawful profits gained from counterfeit goods, and from VND 300,000 to VND 50,000,000, depending on the quantity of counterfeit stamps, labels, and packaging. Double penalties will be imposed on counterfeit goods in sectors such as food, food additives, food processing agents, food preservatives, pharmaceuticals, medicinal ingredients, cosmetics, medical devices, helmets, disinfectants, chemicals, insecticides, veterinary medicines, fertilizers, animal feed, aquaculture products, plant protection products, plant varieties, construction cement, and steel.
Additionally, supplementary penalties may include:Confiscation of production equipment; revocation of business licenses or professional certifications; suspension of production activities. At the same time, all confiscated counterfeit goods will be destroyed, and violators will be required to return any unlawfully obtained profits from their violations.
Thus, Decree No. 24/2025/ND-CP continues to inherit and maintain the provisions of Decree No. 98/2020/ND-CP, enforcing penalties for intellectual property infringements related to trademarks and industrial designs, particularly in the production and sale of counterfeit goods, stamps, labels, and packaging. The Decree clearly outlines administrative fines and strict enforcement measures, especially for products concerning public health and safety.
On February 15, 2025, SBLAW, in its role as an industrial property representative, received numerous emails from the intellectual property office of Vietnam regarding notifications related to the examination process of applications submitted to the Office. Accordingly, applicants can visit the Office’s online search webiste, enter the code provided in the email, and download the notification file.
An important point highlighted in the email is that the electronic document will REPLACE THE PAPER VERSION. This can be considered as a significant advancement by the Vietnam IP Office in applying information technology to the examination process of applications submitted to the Office. This development aligns with the practical trends observed in other countries worldwide.
On 27th December, 2024, the Intellectual Property Office issued Notice No. 4039/TB-SHTT regarding the unified application of the International Classification of Goods and Services under the Nice Agreement, Version 12-2025. Accordingly, the new classification has been officially applied since 1st January, 2025 and it has been published on the official website of the Intellectual Property Office.
From 1st January, applicants must ensure proper classification in accordance with the International Classification of Goods and Services under the Nice Agreement, Version 12-2025 while completing the “List and Classification of Goods and Services having trademarks” Section. In cases applicants fail to classify or classify incorrectly, the Intellectual Property Office will conduct the classification, and the applicants will be required to pay the classification fee as prescribed.
The Intellectual Property Office emphasizes that any difficulties or concerns encountered during the implementation process should be promptly reported to the Office via email at phongthongtin@ipvietnam.gov.vn.
On 26th December, 2024, the Intellectual Property Office issued Notice No. 4031/TB-SHTT regarding the unified application of the International Patent Classification under the Strasbourg Agreement, version 2025.01. Accordingly, the new IPC has been published on the official website of the Intellectual Property Office and officially applied in Vietnam from 1st January, 2025.
From 1st January, 2025, when completing the application form, applicants must use the IPC version 2025.01 to fill the “International Patent Classification” section to specify the classification index of the technical solution to be protected (a complete classification, including section, class, subclass, group (main group or subgroup)). In cases in which applicants fail to classify or incorrectly classify their inventions, the Intellectual Property Office will conduct the classification, and applicants will be required to pay the classification fee as prescribed.
The Intellectual Property Office emphasizes that any difficulties encountered during the implementation process should be promptly reported to the Office through the Industrial Property Information Center for review and resolution.
Recently, SBLAW successfully assisted NIRAKI Co., Ltd. in registering the trademark “NIRAKI” in Japan, completing the process in less than one year. This accomplishment not only highlights SBLAW’s professionalism but also demonstrates its ability to efficiently handle international trademark registration procedures.
Japan, one of the world’s largest economies, is a highly competitive and promising market. Registering the “NIRAKI” trademark in Japan provides comprehensive protection for the brand while offering significant advantages in building trust and expanding market presence. Having a trademark protected in Japan helps businesses establish credibility, strengthen their position, and create sustainable growth opportunities in the global business environment.
This success reflects SBLAW’s commitment to delivering high-quality trademark registration services, ensuring the optimal protection of clients’ rights. SBLAW takes pride in supporting businesses in crafting effective intellectual property strategies and promptly addressing the requirements of international markets like Japan.
Pho is widely celebrated as the quintessential national dish of Vietnam, symbolizing the country’s rich culinary heritage and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. In 2007, “Pho” was added to the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. As defined in Oxford Learner’’s Dictionary, “PHO is a type of Vietnamese soup, usually served with rice noodles, slices of beef or chicken, and herbs”.
Founded in 2005 by Stephen and Juliette after traveling to Vietnam and fell in love with the slow-simmered broth, The UK restaurant Chain now has 45 outlets, selling thousands of bowls of pho per week across Britain under the name “Pho Holdings Ltd.”.
The company has trademarked several variations of phrases that involve the word “Pho” since 2005. It registered the first trademark “Pho and device” for services related to restaurant and foods in class 43 with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) in May, at the same year it was founded. Three months later, the company registered the second trademark “Pho and device” for products, among many others, like rice, noodle products, and noodle soups in class 30. In March 2007, it made the registration for the third trademark containing only the word “Pho” for services related to restaurant and foods in class 39 and class 43. In September 2011, it continued to register the fourth trademark “Pho and device” for among many others, products like rice and noodles, noodles soup in class 30 and services related to restaurant and foods in class 39 and 43. The company obtained 4 trademark certificates in November 2005, February 2006, May 2008, and October 2012 respectively.
In 2013, Mo Pho – a London–based Vietnamese restaurant, received a legal letter from Pho Holdings requesting it changes its name as it contained one word “Pho” – due to trademark infringement. Pho Holdings stating that it had not trademarked the Vietnamese dish, just the brand identity and logo to protect business. Because of the public outage, the chain admitted to making a mistake and tweeted they had dropped the dispute against the now-permanently closed Mo Pho, according to The Guardian.
PHO A cultural icon and the Trademark controversy in United Kingdom
After almost 2 decades, Vietnamese businesses in the UK are finally able to have “pho” in their names without risking legal reprisal. The issue resurfaced in 2024, a London – based Vietnamese Tiktoker @iamyenlikethemoney, called out the restaurant in a video for trademarking a culturally significant word. She stressed that trademarking “pho” is akin to claiming ownership to “fish and chips”, “sushi” – which are likewise “genetic” terms or descriptive terms in Intellectual Property. The video has since gone viral with over 2.6 millions views and thousands of comments expressing similar sentiments. As receiving backlash on social media due to that video, the chain released a statement saying that it would “never attempt” to trademark “pho” – Vietnamese’s national dish and how it is spelled there – and that it doesn’t belong to anyone but the people of Vietnam.
Since then, as per the UKIPO, the company filed a request to surrender its trademark on the word, reported British newspaper The Daily Mail on Oct 22. The process was officially completed two days later, meaning the Vietnamese word is now free and available for all businesses in the UK to use.
This case raises some critical issues: how did the UKIPO examine the non-descriptiveness of the “Pho” trademark in this case and how can a national dish be trademarked for a restaurant business serving that dish and other relevant foods? How do similar cases play out in other countries? This could provide a comparative perspective on cultural terms and trademarks.
On the afternoon of October 08, 2024, SBLAW held a virtual meeting with Mr. Daniel Xinhua Wang, Managing Partner of the G&W PARTNERS LLP based in China to discuss future cooperation prospects.
About G&W Partners LLP
Founded in 1999, G&W Partners LLP is one of the earliest partnership law firms in China and originated from the former Great Wall Foreign Economic Law Firm (Great Wall Attorneys) of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of the People’s Republic of China. G&W Partners is a full-scope service law firm and has been widely recognized as a leader in intellectual property law, commercial transaction and investment, corporate governance and compliance, real estate and infrastructure, energy and transportation, finance and securities and dispute solutions across a wide range of industries and sectors.
Regarding the IP services, G&W Partners provide a prestigious team with rich local experience and global vision working in offices in several cities in China and internationally, providing various services such as registering and enforcing intellectual property rights for patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and copyrights..
Virtual meeting with G&W Partners LLP
Future cooperation prospects
During the meeting, both firms presented an overview of our respective experiences, existing teams of lawyers and legal advisors, and the range of services we offer. Through our discussions, both parties recognized numerous similarities not only in our legal consulting work for businesses but also in the field of intellectual property.
SBLAW and G&W Partners both possess considerable expertise in activities related to intellectual property, such as, patent, trademark and industrial design registration and infringement analysis, extending services not only domestically but also internationally, including in the United States, Australia, Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Moreover, SBLAW and G&W Partners have both engaged in legal consulting activities within each other’s markets for an extended period and have identified significant opportunities in the realm of intellectual property in both Vietnam and China. Given the recent breakthroughs in bilateral economic cooperation between the two countries, characterized by a substantial increase in foreign direct investment and a growing number of Chinese businesses entering the Vietnamese market.
This matter leads to a rising tide of legal issues emerging between Chinese and Vietnamese companies. Consequently, both parties proposed to consider collaboration in the field of intellectual property, initially focusing on Vietnam and China, with the potential to expand into other regions as opportunities arise.
The meeting concluded that afternoon in a warm and amicable atmosphere, fostering an open spirit. Both sides expressed a strong desire for an in-person meeting in Hanoi in the near future.
The Ministry of Finance reduces industrial property ownership fees by 50% to support citizens and businesses
On July 2, 2024, the Ministry of Finance officially issued Circular No. 43/2024/TT-BTC, which regulates the reduction of fees in the field of industrial property. This move aims to create more favorable conditions for individuals and businesses to register and protect their intellectual property rights, promoting innovation and business development domestically.
The Ministry of Finance reduces industrial property ownership fees by 50% to support citizens and businesses
According to Circular 43, the fees for industrial property will be reduced by 50% of the fee rates specified in Section A of the Fee Schedule, the fee for industrial property issued together with Circular No. 263/2016/TT-BTC on November 14, 2016, by the Minister of Finance, which regulates the collection, payment, management, and use of fees for industrial property ownership.
This reduction will only apply to the fee rates and will not be applicable to the fees for industrial property specified in Section B of the aforementioned Circular. This regulation will take effect from July 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024.
Reducing registration and maintenance fees for industrial property rights brings many benefits to both individuals and businesses. Companies and individuals can save a significant amount of costs, allowing them to invest more in research and development of new products. Reducing registration fees promotes creativity and innovation, protects the rights of creators and businesses, and creates conditions for them to develop new products and services. With ownership of patents, trademarks, and industrial designs being protected, businesses can enhance their competitive capabilities in the market, not only domestically but also internationally.
The issuance of Circular 43/2024/TT-BTC on reducing fees in the field of industrial property is a positive step by the Ministry of Finance to support and promote the development of the creative community and businesses in Vietnam. This is a good opportunity for individuals and businesses to utilize and protect their intellectual property rights, and thereby contribute to the sustainable economic development of the country.
We are so honored to be once again ranked in Tier 2 of Leading Intellectual Property local firms in Vietnam in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023 Edition.
SB LAW advises domestic and international clients on a range of trademark, patent, industrial design and copyright matters, including licensing and franchising, technology transfer agreements, enforcement and litigation, as well as anti-counterfeiting proceedings. Nguyen Thanh Ha is a key name.
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Question: We are foreign company and would like to register Music Copyright registration in Vietnam, please provide us the quoation?
Answer: Thanks for your conservation concerning the subject matter.
Regarding your enquiries, we would like to advise you on procedure and our updated fee schedule in relation to the copyright registration proceeding in Vietnam as follows:
1.Copyright information
Types of works: Music works
2. Fee schedule
Description
Fee (VND)
Fee for filling 01 copyright application
5.000.000
5%VAT:
250.000
Total
In words
5.250.000
Five million two hundred and fifty thousand Dongs
Noted: The above fees are inclusive of 5%VAT, not include communication costs and bank charges.
3.Procedure and timeline
The duration of copyright application is around 20 -30 working days.
4.Required documents and information
02 Notarized copies of Certificate of Business Registration of the Owner;
02 copies of the author’s ID or passport;
02 copy version of music works;
SBLAW provides
02 Power of Attorney (POA) (SBLAW’s form);
02 Declarations of the author and the owner (If the author is the owner);
02 assigned decision (If the staff of the company/the owner is assigned tasks to indite/write a work);
02 contracts of lease of writing/inditing a software (If the owner hired a third party to indite/write a software program);
02 Commitments of the author(s) of work;
We hope the above is of your assistance. Should you have any inquiry, please do not hesitate to contact us.
