In recent years, the OCOP program (One Commune One Product) has brought a fresh breeze to Vietnam’s rural development, enhancing both the quality and branding of local specialty products. However, many producers still underestimate the importance of trademark registration—a vital condition for sustainable development, brand protection, and avoiding disputes.

Why is Trademark Registration Crucial for OCOP and Local Specialty Products?
OCOP is not just a program to increase product value, but also a platform for each locality to build its own brand identity. In today’s consumer trends, buyers value not only product quality but also brand reputation and origin. Trademark registration acts as a legal “shield” to protect the identity of OCOP products, expand markets, and enhance value.

What is a Trademark and Why Register It?
A trademark is a sign used to distinguish the goods or services of one entity from another. For regional specialties or OCOP products, a trademark represents not just a name, but also quality, origin, and reputation associated with a locality.

Without trademark registration, businesses may face risks such as:

Counterfeit products that damage their reputation;
Brand name hijacked by another entity;
Inability to expand distribution, franchise, or export.

With a registered trademark, the owner has exclusive rights to use it, prevent infringement, and commercialize it through franchising, licensing, or as an intellectual property asset.

Which OCOP Products Should Register a Trademark?
All OCOP product categories—processed foods, beverages, herbs, fabrics, handicrafts, eco-tourism products—should register a trademark. Especially those with strong geographical identity like fish sauce, rice cakes, tea, tropical fruits, local wines, etc.

There have been many cases where long-established products were overtaken by others who registered the brand first, leading to disputes and loss of usage rights.

Suitable Types of Trademarks for OCOP Products
Depending on development strategy, businesses or cooperatives can choose:

Ordinary trademarks: for protecting commercial names, logos, slogans;
Collective trademarks: shared among members of a group or cooperative;
Certification trademarks: used to certify that a product meets certain standards (e.g. OCOP 3-star or 4-star products);
Geographical indications: for place-based products (e.g., Phu Quoc fish sauce, Buon Ma Thuot coffee) with the highest protection and commercial value.

Trademark Registration Procedure for OCOP Products
In Vietnam, trademarks are registered with the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IPVN), involving:

Preliminary Search
To check if the intended mark is already registered or similar. Skipping this step could cause rejection or delays.
Dossier Preparation and Submission
Including: application form, trademark sample, proof of applicant’s right, legal documents, list of goods/services.
Examination and Certificate Granting
The process includes formality check, publication, substantive examination, and finally issuing a certificate if all conditions are met. It usually takes 18–24 months.

Throughout this period, following up and responding to official notices is critical. That’s why many choose professional legal services for efficiency and success.

DEDICA: Your Trusted Partner in Brand Protection for Local Businesses

At DEDICA, we support clients not only in filing applications but also in:

brand strategy consultation,
registration viability assessment,
document preparation,
responding to IP Office notices,
and representing clients in trademark disputes.

We understand that for OCOP and regional specialties, each trademark is the “soul” of a region. Successfully protecting it means safeguarding reputations, livelihoods, and sustainable development.

If you’re a business or individual developing OCOP products, trademark registration is a must. Don’t let your branding efforts go to waste due to lack of timely legal protection.

Let DEDICA help you protect your intellectual assets and elevate your local product to both domestic and international markets.

📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Support via WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)
🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Working Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 18:00)
Contact us today for your free first consultation with our professional legal team!