Trademark Registration for the F&B Industry: Cafés, Restaurants, and Bars in Vietnam
In the F&B (Food & Beverage) industry, a brand is not just a name — it is an intangible asset that determines a business’s survival. Why is trademark registration for cafés, restaurants, and bars so important? What is the process, and what should you watch out for to avoid rejection or brand imitation? Let’s explore with DEDICA Law.
What is F&B Trademark Registration and Why Should It Be Done Early
Vietnam’s F&B market is booming, with tens of thousands of new cafés, restaurants, and bars opening every year. In this highly competitive environment, registering an F&B trademark is the only way to protect your brand name, logo, and reputation from imitation or misuse.
Definition and Scope of Trademark Protection in the F&B Sector
A trademark in F&B may include your shop name, logo, slogan, or even a unique design style. Once granted by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam), you gain exclusive rights to use the trademark nationwide, preventing others from using similar marks for the same type of goods or services.
Example: If you register “The Garden Coffee,” others cannot open “The Garden Café” in the same sector without violating trademark rights.
Risks of Not Registering F&B Trademarks Early
Many well-known cafés and restaurants have lost their brands because they didn’t register in time. Without legal protection, others may register your brand first, forcing you to rebrand or face costly disputes.
Moreover, without trademark registration, businesses struggle to expand franchises, build customer trust, and avoid legal risks in online marketing.
Trademark Registration Process for Cafés, Restaurants, and Bars
The F&B trademark registration process is not complicated but requires accuracy and legal understanding. Even a minor mistake or duplication can cause rejection and months of delay.
Basic Steps:
Trademark Search: Check for identical or similar registered marks.
Prepare Documents: Include application form, trademark sample, list of goods/services under the Nice classification, and related papers.
File Application: Submit to IP Vietnam in person, by mail, or online.
Formality & Substantive Examination: Includes publication and examination stages.
Receive Certificate: Once approved, you have exclusive rights for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Key Notes When Registering F&B Trademarks
Avoid generic terms like “Coffee,” “Bar,” or “Restaurant” as main parts of your brand name.
Register both logo and brand name for full protection.
For expanding F&B chains, register related classes such as franchising, packaging, or online sales.
If your brand includes foreign elements (e.g., English names, partner-designed logos), prepare ownership proof in advance.
DEDICA Law – Comprehensive Trademark Solutions for F&B Businesses
DEDICA Law provides professional, fast, and cost-effective F&B trademark registration services in Vietnam.
From preliminary and advanced trademark searches, classification advice, to application submission and follow-up, DEDICA helps clients prevent disputes and IP violations effectively.
We also support international brand expansion through the Madrid System, registering trademarks across ASEAN, Asia, and Europe.
Benefits of Working with DEDICA Law
Strategic long-term brand protection.
Minimized risk of rejection or disputes.
Optimized cost and time through experienced lawyers.
Ongoing support for renewal, assignment, and infringement handling.
Your F&B brand can only thrive when it is legally protected. If you are planning to open a café, restaurant, or bar chain, don’t let trademark registration be the “forgotten step.” Let DEDICA Law be your legal partner in building and safeguarding your brand.
Contact DEDICA Law Firm for expert legal consultation!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat & Zalo supported)
🏢 Address: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
