Can a beauty clinic in Vietnam register trademark protection?
In the context of Vietnam’s rapidly developing beauty market, beauty clinics not only compete by the quality of their services but also need to build their own brand to leave a lasting impression on customers. However, many clinic owners still wonder: “Is my brand eligible for trademark protection in Vietnam?” and “What do I need to do to protect my brand from being copied?”
What is a trademark and why register it?
A trademark is a sign used to distinguish goods or services of different organizations or individuals. In the beauty sector, a trademark might be the name of the clinic, a logo, slogan, or a combination of these elements. Once granted protection, the owner has the exclusive right to use the trademark throughout Vietnam and is legally protected against infringement.
Registering a trademark helps prevent competitors from “riding” on the brand—using similar names or designs to confuse customers. At the same time, it is a necessary step if the clinic owner wants to develop a chain, franchise the brand, or raise capital from investors.
Conditions for a beauty clinic to register a trademark
To be protected, the trademark must meet the basic conditions under Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Law:
No conflict or confusion with existing registered trademarks
The registration authority will reject any trademark that is identical or confusingly similar to a previously registered trademark in the same class of services. Therefore, clinic owners should carefully conduct a search before filing to avoid wasting time and cost.
Distinctiveness
The trademark must be distinctive enough for consumers to recognize and remember. Generic descriptive names like “Beautiful Spa” or “High-Quality Beauty Clinic” are often not accepted because they lack uniqueness.
Not violating prohibited provisions
The trademark must not contain elements that contravene ethics or social morals, or mislead regarding the nature or origin of the services.
Trademark registration process for beauty clinics in Vietnam
The trademark registration in Vietnam is processed at the Intellectual Property Office with the basic steps as follows:
Step 1: Conduct a prior search
This step is not mandatory but extremely important. Searching helps evaluate the likelihood of registration success and adjust the trademark accordingly to avoid rejection or disputes later.
Step 2: Prepare the registration dossier
The dossier includes: trademark registration application form, trademark sample, list of services to register, documents proving the right to file if the applicant is not the direct owner. In the beauty field, trademarks often fall into Class 44 (beauty care services, cosmetic surgery, etc.).
Step 3: File and monitor the examination process
The Intellectual Property Office will examine the application over about 12‑18 months. During this time, requests to amend or supplement or respond to third‑party observations may arise.
Step 4: Receive the protection certificate
If the trademark meets all requirements, the Intellectual Property Office will issue the Trademark Registration Certificate valid for 10 years, which may be renewed multiple times.
Notes when registering a trademark for a beauty clinic
Registering a trademark is an important step to protect your beauty clinic brand from copying or unauthorized use. However, if not well prepared, the process may encounter risks and unnecessary costs. Below are some notes you should not ignore.
Choose a trademark with clearly distinctive elements
Creativity is the key. Clinic owners should choose a name, symbol, or slogan with a unique imprint, easy to remember, easy to recognize, and with low risk of duplication.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Many clinics wait until their brand is established or until an infringement occurs before thinking about protection. By then, it may be too late. Registration should be done from the start of building the brand.
Be cautious when using a famous name or foreign elements
If the trademark uses a personal name, especially that of a celebrity, or contains foreign language elements, proving the right to use it may require additional legal documents.
With practical experience in intellectual property matters, DEDICA not only helps clients carry out registration procedures promptly but also advises strategic brand building in a structured and sustainable way.
Are you operating a beauty clinic and want to build a brand in a professional, legally protected way? Let DEDICA assist you from the very first step in the journey of building and protecting your brand.
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