The vegetarian/vegan restaurant model has become a rapidly growing trend in recent years. Not only does it meet the demand for healthy eating, but it also conveys a message of sustainable lifestyle and closeness to nature. With a potential market like Vietnam, many businesses have begun building and expanding vegetarian restaurant chains. However, to grow sustainably, registering the trademark for the vegetarian restaurant is a prerequisite to protect the brand’s value and reputation amid fierce competition.

Why Must a Business Register a Trademark for a Vegetarian Restaurant?
Registering a trademark is not merely a legal procedure, but also the foundation for a business to build trust with customers, affirm distinctiveness, and protect legal rights in case of copying or counterfeiting.

Protect Intellectual Property from the Early Stage
When you begin designing your name, logo, slogan or other brand identity elements, registering the trademark helps establish legal and exclusive ownership throughout Vietnam. This is especially important in the restaurant industry, where brand infringement is easy because the model is common and easy to copy.

Reduce Legal Risks When Expanding the Chain
As your restaurant chain expands into multiple provinces, if you have not registered your trademark, you may face a situation where someone else registers first or uses a similar name causing confusion. In such a case, your business might become the infringer if it continues using a non‑protected brand.

Increase Brand Value When Raising Capital or Franchising
A trademark granted a protection certificate can become a valuable intangible asset, making it easier for the business to raise investment, franchise, or sell the brand in the future.

Process for Trademark Registration for a Vegetarian Restaurant Chain
Trademark registration must follow the correct procedure and adhere to intellectual property principles. Some important steps include:

Conduct Trademark Search
Before filing, the business needs to carry out a preliminary and in‑depth trademark search to assess the likelihood of obtaining protection. This helps avoid duplication or similarity with previously registered trademarks.

Determine Appropriate Class per the Nice Classification
Vegetarian restaurant services generally fall under class 43 (food and beverage services). If you have additional activities like packaged vegan food supply, organizing culinary events, or online sales, you should consider registering additional classes to broaden coverage.

Prepare and File the Trademark Application
The dossier includes: the application form, the trademark sample, list of goods/services, power of attorney (if filed via an industrial property representative), and registration fee. The business may file directly with the Vietnam Intellectual Property Office or through a legal representative such as DEDICA Law Firm for full support.

Monitor and Address Responses During Examination
Trademark examination usually takes 12–18 months. During this period, the business must monitor and respond to requests for amendment or opposition (if any). If no issues arise, the trademark will be granted a protection certificate valid for 10 years and can be renewed continuously.

Strategies to Optimize Brand When Expanding the Chain
Beyond registering the trademark, to ensure the chain expansion is effective and sustainable, businesses should also consider the following:

Register Trademark Internationally
If you have plans to franchise or expand abroad, register protection in target countries via the Madrid System (WIPO) or directly in each country. This helps the brand be protected broadly and reduces cross‑border disputes.

Protect Logo, Slogan, and Distinctive Packaging
Not just the brand name, but also the logo, promotional slogan, and packaging design (if any) should be registered to strengthen protection and brand positioning in customers’ minds.

Develop Strategy for Post‑Registration Use and Management
A brand is not just “owned on paper.” The business needs to build processes to control trademark use across the chain to avoid misuse, reputation damage, or violations of legal regulations.

Role of Legal Provider in the Trademark Registration Process
Although a business can carry out trademark registration itself, collaborating with a reputable legal provider like DEDICA helps save time, minimize risks, and ensure the highest success rate. We not only assist clients in the legal procedures but also advise on a protection strategy aligned with the long‑term direction of the business.

In a competitive market like vegetarian cuisine, the brand is an intangible asset but a vital one. Registering the trademark properly not only shields the business from legal risks but also opens opportunities for development, raising capital, and broadening reach. If you are building or expanding your vegetarian restaurant chain, start by protecting your brand today, because the brand is not just a name, but the soul of the entire business model.

Do you need to register a trademark for your vegetarian restaurant?
Let DEDICA accompany you and craft an effective, sustainable protection strategy aligned with your development goals.
Contact DEDICA Law Firm for in-depth legal consultation!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Support via WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)
🏢 Head office: 144 Võ Văn Tần St., Xuân Hòa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Working hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 18:00)