Looking for a Trademark Attorney in Vietnam? This complete guide explains trademark registration, requirements, costs, timelines, and why businesses must protect their brand in Vietnam’s fast-growing market.

Introduction: Why Your Business Needs a Trademark Attorney in Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing economies, with booming industries such as e-commerce, manufacturing, technology, food & beverage, and fashion.
As international companies expand into Vietnam, the number of trademark applications has increased rapidly  and so has the number of trademark conflicts.

That’s why working with a professional Trademark Attorney for Vietnam is essential.
A trademark attorney helps you secure your brand, comply with Vietnam’s IP laws, avoid legal disputes, and ensure your trademark is approved by the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP).

Many businesses learn this the hard way:
They enter the Vietnam market without registering their trademark, only to discover that someone has already filed a similar name, logo, or brand identity.
Recovering your brand later becomes extremely difficult  and expensive.

This guide explains everything you need to know about trademark protection in Vietnam and how a trademark attorney can help you navigate the system smoothly.

What is a Trademark in Vietnam?

A trademark in Vietnam protects your brand identity, including:

• Business name

• Logo

• Slogan or tagline

• Product packaging

• Brand colors & shapes

• Service mark

• Sound or 3D trademark (in some cases)

Once registered, you get exclusive legal rights to use your brand in Vietnam and can stop others from copying or misusing your identity.

Why Vietnam is a High-Risk Market for Unregistered Brands

Vietnam’s economy is growing rapidly, but brand imitation is also very common.
If your trademark is not registered, competitors may:

• Copy your brand name

• Duplicate your logo

• Sell counterfeits using your identity

• Register your trademark before you do

• Block your future registration

• Take legal action against you in Vietnam

Under Vietnamese law, the first person to file the trademark gets the legal rights not the one who used it first.
This makes early registration extremely important.

Why You Need a Trademark Attorney for Vietnam

A trademark attorney provides professional legal support during the entire trademark process.
Here’s how they help:

1. Conducting a Full Trademark Search

Before filing, an attorney checks:

• Similar registered trademarks

• Pending trademark applications

• Risk of rejection

• Possible conflicts

• Potential infringement issues

This prevents wasted time and rejected applications.

2. Choosing the Right Classes (Nice Classification)

Vietnam requires very accurate class selection.
A mistake here can delay or reject your entire application.
An attorney ensures your brand is protected in all relevant classes.

3. Preparing & Filing the Application

The attorney prepares:

• Application form

• Trademark specimen

• Owner information

• Class list

• Priority claim (if any)

• POA (Power of Attorney) as required

They ensure everything is compliant with Vietnam IP Law.

4. Handling Office Actions & Objections

If NOIP issues:

• Rejection notices

• Clarification requests

• Confusion objections

• Similarity conflicts

Your attorney will defend your application with legal arguments and amendments.

5. Managing Opposition Periods

If another company opposes your trademark, your attorney represents you and handles the response.

6. Monitoring & Enforcement

Trademark attorneys help you:

• Detect brand misuse

• Remove infringing products

• Take legal action if needed

• Work with enforcement authorities

7. Renewals & Portfolio Management

A trademark in Vietnam lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Your attorney keeps track of deadlines and manages renewals.

Trademark Registration Process in Vietnam (Step-by-Step)

➤ Step 1: Trademark Search

A preliminary or comprehensive search is done to check availability.

➤ Step 2: Filing the Application (NOIP)

Submit the trademark documents with the required fees.

➤ Step 3: Formality Examination (1–2 months)

NOIP checks if your documents are complete.

➤ Step 4: Publication in the IP Gazette (2–3 months)

Your application becomes public for opposition.

➤ Step 5: Substantive Examination (12–18 months)

NOIP reviews the trademark for conflicts, similarity, and compliance.

➤ Step 6: Registration Issued

Once approved, you receive a Vietnam Trademark Certificate.

Total Time Frame: 18–24 Months

A trademark attorney makes sure this process runs smoothly and quickly.

Documents Needed for Trademark Registration in Vietnam

A trademark attorney will guide you, but normally you need:

• Trademark image (logo)

• Applicant name & address

• List of goods/services

• Power of Attorney (POA)

• Priority document (optional)

If you are a foreign company, Vietnam requires local representation through a licensed IP attorney.

Cost of Trademark Registration in Vietnam

Costs vary depending on classes and legal services, but typically include:

• Government filing fees

• Publication fees

• Registration certificate fees

• Attorney service fees

Businesses often prefer all-inclusive packages for clarity.

Benefits of Registering Your Trademark in Vietnam

A registered trademark gives you:

✔ Exclusive rights to your brand
✔ Legal protection against infringement
✔ Ability to take action against counterfeiters
✔ Confidence to expand business
✔ Stronger market credibility
✔ Asset value for licensing & franchising
✔ Protection during manufacturing in Vietnam

In a fast-growing country like Vietnam, brand protection is a must for long-term success.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make in Vietnam (And How a Trademark Attorney Prevents Them)

❌ 1. Not registering early

Competitors can file before you.

❌ 2. Wrong trademark class selection

Your protection becomes incomplete or invalid.

❌ 3. Choosing a weak or generic brand name

Leads to rejection.

❌ 4. DIY filing without legal support

Results in delays, objections, or refusals.

❌ 5. Ignoring opposition or office action

Your trademark application may be abandoned.

A trademark attorney ensures none of these issues occur.

Who Should Register a Trademark in Vietnam?

You need trademark protection if you:

• Sell products online

• Manufacture in Vietnam

• Export goods from Vietnam

• Expand into the Vietnam market

• Distribute or franchise your brand

• Launch a new product

• Build a long-term brand identity

From startups to multinational companies every business benefits.

How a Trademark Attorney Helps Foreign Companies

Foreign businesses face extra challenges: language, legal interpretation, documentation, and official communication.

A Vietnam trademark attorney provides:

• Official representation with NOIP

• Translation of documents

• Local legal compliance

• Faster processing

• Full handling of all communications

This ensures seamless registration even from abroad.

Enforcing Your Trademark Rights in Vietnam

After registration, your attorney can help enforce your rights through:

• Cease & desist letters

• Administrative fines

• Customs seizure of counterfeit goods

• Civil lawsuits

• Online marketplace takedowns

• Working with authorities against infringement

Brand misuse is common enforcement protects your reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to register a trademark in Vietnam?

Typically 18–24 months, depending on examination and objections.

2. Can foreign applicants file directly?

No.
Foreign companies must file through a Vietnam-based trademark attorney.

3. How long does trademark protection last?

10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely.

4. Can I protect my brand name AND logo?

Yes and it’s recommended to register both separately for stronger protection.

5. What if someone copies my trademark?

Your attorney can help take legal action immediately.

Conclusion: Protect Your Brand in Vietnam Before Someone Else Does

Vietnam is a major business destination  but also a competitive and high-risk market for unregistered brands.
Whether you are launching, expanding, or manufacturing in Vietnam, securing your trademark is critical.

A professional Trademark Attorney for Vietnam ensures your brand stays safe, legally protected, and ready for long-term growth.

Protect your brand now  before someone else registers it first.