In the context of Vietnam’s rapidly growing domestic tourism industry, building and protecting a trademark for travel companies is not only a competitive advantage but also an essential requirement to assert a firm’s market position. Registering a trademark for a domestic travel company in Vietnam is a strategic move that helps businesses secure their legal rights, avoid disputes, and enhance credibility with customers and partners.

Why do domestic travel companies need to register a trademark?

A trademark is an intangible intellectual property asset with significant value in the tourism business. Once protected by law through trademark registration, a travel company has a strong legal basis to prevent unauthorized copying or use by competitors.

In particular, in the tourism sector, a trademark not only represents the company name but is also tied to service quality, customer trust, and business expansion capacity. When protected, the trademark enables companies to promote their image, sign contracts, and expand services across multiple provinces and cities nationwide.

Legal basis for trademark registration in the tourism sector

Trademark registration activities are mainly governed by the Law on Intellectual Property 2005 (as amended in 2009, 2019, and 2022) along with implementing decrees and circulars. Under this law, a trademark is defined as a sign used to distinguish goods and services of different organizations and individuals. Domestic travel companies may register their brand name, logo, or promotional slogan as an exclusive trademark.

Furthermore, Vietnam is a member of several international intellectual property treaties, such as the Madrid Protocol and the Paris Convention. This allows registered domestic travel trademarks to extend protection to international markets when necessary.

Conditions for a successful trademark registration

To be granted protection by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam, a tourism trademark must:

Distinguish the company’s services from those of others.
Not be identical or confusingly similar to previously registered trademarks.
Not violate prohibitions under the Intellectual Property Law (e.g., use of national flags, emblems, or names of international organizations without permission).
Be expressed in words, images, symbols, or a combination thereof that is visually recognizable.

Process of registering a trademark for domestic travel companies

Trademark search before filing: To check for identical or confusingly similar marks.
Preparing the application: Includes application form, sample trademark, company legal documents, and fee receipts.
Filing with the Intellectual Property Office: Either in person or online.
Formality examination: Verification of procedural validity.
Publication of valid applications: On the Industrial Property Gazette.
Substantive examination: Assessment of registrability.
Grant of protection title: The Certificate of Trademark Registration, valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely.

Timeline and costs

Trademark registration usually takes 18–24 months, depending on the examination process. In cases of opposition or disputes, the period may be longer.

Costs include filing fees, publication fees, substantive examination fees, and certificate issuance fees, which vary based on the number of service classes registered.

Benefits of trademark protection for travel companies

Affirm credibility and service quality with customers.
Prevent and handle infringement, imitation, or counterfeiting effectively.
Increase the intangible asset value of the company, which can be commercialized through franchising, transfer, or joint ventures.
Provide a solid legal foundation for international expansion.

Practical notes

Conduct a thorough search before filing.
Choose a distinctive and memorable logo, slogan, and brand name.
Consider registering multiple related service classes (e.g., travel, hotels, transportation).
Regularly monitor and renew the protection title.

Registering a trademark for a domestic travel company is not only a legal procedure but also a strategic step for sustainable business development. Proactive registration and protection will help companies avoid disputes, strengthen market reputation, and create long-term opportunities for cooperation and investment.

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