REGISTERING MARK

Registering Trademark: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of registering a trademark in Vietnam involves several critical steps to ensure protection and compliance with intellectual property laws. This guide outlines the key phases, from preliminary assessment to obtaining a protection certificate, providing a clear pathway for businesses.

Step 1: Look Up and Evaluate Trademark Registrability

To assess the registrability of your trademark, your company can:

• Submit a sample of the mark/logo and a list of goods or services bearing the trademark to LawPlus.
• LawPlus will conduct a preliminary search to determine whether your trademark is identical or confusingly similar to existing marks.
• Based on the findings, LawPlus will provide consultation and evaluation, ensuring your trademark meets the criteria for approval by state agencies.

Step 2: Prepare the Trademark Registration Application File

To proceed with registering your trademark, you need to prepare an application file that includes:

1. Applicant Information: Full name, address, and nationality of the applicant.
2. Description of the Logo/Trademark: Details such as meaning, colors, and translations if the mark includes a foreign language.
3. List of Goods or Services: Items classified under the international classification of goods and services.
4. Power of Attorney: Authorization for LawPlus lawyers to act on your behalf.
5. Enterprise Registration Certificate: A copy of the business registration document.
6. Trademark Samples: Submit eight (8) clear samples of the mark.

LawPlus can assist with the preparation and review of these documents.

Step 3: Submit the Application for Trademark Registration

LawPlus will submit your application to the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP). The process includes:

1. Formal Examination (1–2 Months)

• NOIP reviews the formality of the application, including the trademark sample, applicant’s eligibility, and classification.
• If eligible: NOIP notifies acceptance and publishes the application publicly.
• If ineligible: NOIP requests amendments. The applicant must revise and resubmit the application.

2. Substantive Examination (10–12 Months)

• NOIP evaluates the conditions for trademark registration and eligibility for protection.
• If eligible: NOIP issues a notice of intended grant.
• If ineligible: NOIP issues a notice of rejection. The applicant can respond, appeal the decision, or provide additional evidence to support the registration.

3. Granting Protection Titles (2–3 Months)

• Upon successful examination, the applicant pays the granting fee to obtain the protection certificate.

Trademark Protection Duration

Trademarks are protected for 10 years from the filing date (priority date). Companies can extend the certificate’s validity indefinitely through renewal applications, ensuring ongoing protection.

Contact LawPlus for Trademark Assistance

For expert guidance on registering a trademark in Vietnam, contact LawPlus:

• Website:
• Email:
• Hotline: 0965 052 039 (Vietnamese) | 0966 008 030 (English)
• Address: 86 Xuan Thuy Street, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.