Vietnam Expands Industrial Design Protection to Digital Era, Including Non-Physical Products

The revised Intellectual Property Law, set to take effect in 2025, marks a significant turning point in Vietnam's industrial design protection mechanism. For the first time, the law extends industrial design protection to non-physical products. This legal amendment aims to adapt to the rapidly developing digital economy and encourage domestic innovation and creativity. Previously, industrial design protection was primarily limited to physical products. However, with this revision, designs for software interfaces, digital art, and other intangible assets may also become eligible for protection. This reflects Vietnam's focus on promoting digitalization and technological innovation. Vietnam, under its one-party system, has pursued market-oriented reforms of its socialist economy, achieving remarkable economic growth in recent years. The development of its manufacturing and export sectors has been particularly striking, increasing its importance in global supply chains. Strengthening intellectual property rights protection is essential to support this growth, and the expansion of industrial design protection is seen as part of this effort. Furthermore, amidst its complex relationship with China, Vietnam seeks economic independence and technological self-reliance, with strengthening the competitiveness of domestic industries being a key national strategy. Protecting rights related to design and creativity is crucial for fostering innovation and enabling domestic enterprises to maintain and enhance their competitiveness in the international market. This revision will bring new opportunities and challenges for businesses, especially those in the technology and design-related sectors. While the risk of unauthorized imitation of their designs and creations will be reduced, enterprises will need to understand the procedures and requirements for obtaining protection. Source: Nhan Dan