Vietnam: Three Individuals Detained for Photocopying and Selling Textbooks; Intellectual Property Rights Emphasized

Police in Truong Phu commune, Quang Tri province, central Vietnam, have apprehended three individuals for posting on social media their intent to photocopy and sell textbooks for grades 1 through 12. Authorities explained the provisions of Vietnam's Intellectual Property Rights Law to these three individuals, raising awareness about the importance of copyright protection. Consequently, the three removed their posts and pledged not to repeat such actions. This incident highlights the current situation and challenges regarding copyright protection in Vietnam. Although Vietnam established a framework for copyright protection with the enactment of the Intellectual Property Rights Law in 2005, unauthorized copying and illegal sales, particularly of educational materials and books, persist with the advancement of digitalization. The Communist Party of Vietnam has identified the strengthening of intellectual property rights protection as one of its key policy priorities as it promotes economic growth and integration with the international community. This recognition is based on the necessity for attracting foreign investment and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic industries. However, raising copyright awareness among the general populace remains a significant challenge. While this apprehension suggests that authorities are conducting some level of monitoring and enforcement against copyright infringement, it also points to the need for more comprehensive solutions regarding how educational materials are obtained in educational settings and by households. Specifically, there is a demand for alternative methods, as official textbooks can be expensive for economically disadvantaged families and students in rural areas.