In brief
On 21 August 2026, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1624/QD-TTg, amending Decision No. 1068/QD-TTg on Vietnam's Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy through 2030 (“Updated Strategy”). The decision took effect on the date it was issued.
The update does not immediately change the IP Law. However, it is a strong policy signal that Vietnam will place greater emphasis on IP commercialization, online enforcement, digital platforms, AI-related IP issues, and coordination among enforcement authorities. Businesses should use this period to check whether their Vietnam IP portfolios, licensing arrangements, online monitoring and enforcement strategies are ready for the next phase of reform.
Key takeaways for businesses
- Check whether your Vietnam IP portfolio supports your current business, growth, and enforcement priorities.
- Identify opportunities to commercialize IP through licensing, technology transfer, valuation or collaboration structures.
- Strengthen monitoring and takedown processes for e-commerce, social media and other digital channels.
- Track upcoming legal and regulatory proposals under the 2026-2030 priority projects, especially those relating to enforcement, cyberspace and emerging technologies.
In more detail
IP becomes more central to business strategy
The Updated Strategy looks at IP across its full lifecycle: creation, registration, exploitation, commercialization and enforcement. It also encourages businesses, universities, research institutions, creators and other stakeholders to play a more active role in the IP system.
Business impact: Companies should treat IP as part of their commercial planning, not just as a registration exercise. This means checking whether key trademarks, patents, designs, copyright, trade secrets and technology rights are registered, owned by the right entity, properly licensed and enforceable in practice.
Commercialization moves from policy ambition to measurable target
The decision introduces a specific annual target: at least 100 IP rights held by research institutes, universities and innovative start-ups are expected to be valued, transacted and commercialized.
The Updated Strategy also calls for measures to support technology transfer, IP valuation, patent mapping, IP information analysis and IP portfolio management. Businesses are expected to receive more support in registering and protecting their IP rights in Vietnam and overseas.
Business impact: Companies involved in Research and Development (R&D), technology transfer, licensing, manufacturing or investment should assess whether their IP portfolios are ready for valuation and transactions. Clear ownership, a clean chain of titles and well-drafted licensing arrangements will become increasingly important.
AI and emerging technologies move onto the IP agenda
The Updated Strategy expressly recognizes that Vietnam's IP framework needs to respond to new technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, digital assets, blockchain, biotechnology and semiconductor technology.
It also calls for an appropriate balance between IP rights and other interests, including competition, consumer rights and the public interest.
Business impact: Technology-driven businesses should expect more discussion on the ownership, protectability, use and enforcement of IP created or supported by new technologies. Internal policies on AI use, confidential information, data, software and employee-created IP may need to be reviewed.
Enforcement becomes a higher policy priority
The Updated Strategy calls for stronger coordination among enforcement authorities and more effective handling of IP infringements, including cross-border infringements.
It also calls for stronger inspection, monitoring and enforcement against IP infringements and other violations of IP law.
Business impact: Rights holders should prepare enforcement strategies that work across multiple channels, including administrative actions, customs measures, civil claims, criminal complaints where appropriate and platform-based takedowns. Good evidence collection and coordinated escalation will remain critical.
Online infringement is singled out for stricter action
One of the most practical aspects of the Decision is its focus on infringement in the digital environment.
The Updated Strategy calls for stricter action against online IP infringements. It also refers to strengthening the responsibilities of digital platforms, e-commerce platforms and intermediary service providers to prevent, remove and avoid facilitating infringing activities.
It also envisages using technology to automatically detect and warn against infringements, together with stronger monitoring and enforcement on digital platforms.
Business impact: Brand owners should review how they monitor online marketplaces, social media, websites and domain names in Vietnam. Platforms and intermediaries should follow policy and legal developments closely, as expectations around prevention, notice-and-takedown and repeat infringer controls may increase.
The 2026-2030 priority projects are where businesses should focus next
The Decision identifies 11 priority tasks and projects for 2026–2030, assigns responsible government authorities and sets implementation timelines. These projects matter because they are likely to shape the next round of practical changes.
They include initiatives on the IP transaction market, review and amendment of IP legislation, improved IP enforcement, IP development in IP-intensive industries, IP education, market surveillance enforcement, protection of IP rights in cyberspace, and development of highly qualified IP professionals.
Many of the relevant proposals are expected to be submitted for approval in 2027, with implementation continuing through 2030.
What businesses should do now
Although Decision No. 1624/QD-TTg is a strategic policy document rather than an immediate amendment to the IP Law, it gives a clear indication of where Vietnam's IP system is heading. Businesses should use this period to prepare.
- Map key IP assets against business lines, products, platforms and Vietnam market activities.
- Check ownership, registration coverage, licensing arrangements and the evidence needed for enforcement.
- Put in place, or refresh, online monitoring, takedown and escalation procedures.
- Review internal controls for trade secrets, employee-created IP, software, data and AI-supported innovation.
- Monitor the 2026-2030 priority projects for proposed legislative, regulatory and enforcement changes.
Vietnam focuses on a more commercially useful, technology-ready and enforcement-focused IP system. Companies that align their IP strategy now will be better placed to protect, monetize and enforce their rights as the next phase of reforms takes shape.
Conclusion
Vietnam's updated IP Strategy is an important signal of the government's reform priorities. While further legal and regulatory changes will take time, businesses should act now to ensure their IP portfolios, commercialization plans and enforcement strategies are ready for a more digital, innovation-driven and enforcement-focused IP environment.
Hoa Tran, Partner, and Son Tuan Do, Senior Associate, have co-authored this legal update.
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