Trademark Registration Procedure for General Trading Companies in Vietnam
In an increasingly competitive market, building and protecting a trademark is a crucial step for general trading companies to affirm their position and enhance business value. One of the most effective ways to protect a brand is by registering a trademark with the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam. However, this legal process is not always smooth. So, how can a general trading company register a trademark quickly and avoid unnecessary mistakes?
Why should general trading companies register their trademarks as early as possible?
A trademark is an intangible asset with strategic value. With multi-sector operations, a wide range of products, and multi-channel distribution, general trading companies are highly vulnerable to imitation or exploitation of their reputation by others. Without registration, businesses have no legal basis to handle acts of intellectual property infringement. Moreover, there is always the risk that competitors may “get ahead” by registering similar or identical trademarks.
Trademark registration not only confirms legal ownership but also lays the foundation for franchise expansion, fundraising, market expansion, and building a consistent product ecosystem under a unified brand identity.
Steps to register a trademark in Vietnam
Trademark registration in Vietnam follows the legal procedures of the Intellectual Property Office. The key steps include:
Trademark search – Before filing, businesses should search for existing trademarks to assess registrability and avoid rejection due to similarity.
Preparing the application – This includes:
Application form (as per the Intellectual Property Office)
Trademark samples (soft and printed copies)
List of goods/services under the Nice Classification
Power of attorney (if filed through an IP agent)
Business license or enterprise registration certificate
Submission and examination – The process includes:
Formality examination
Publication in the Industrial Property Gazette
Substantive examination
Trademark certificate – If approved, the company will receive a Trademark Registration Certificate valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely.
Key considerations for successful registration
Avoid prohibited signs (offensive language, state symbols, flags, or religious icons).
Do not use descriptive names (e.g., “Soft Shoes,” “Carbonated Drink”).
Correctly identify product/service classes under the Nice Classification.
Consider registering in both Vietnamese and foreign languages if applicable.
Engage professional legal services for higher success rates and better risk management.
DEDICA – Your partner in building and protecting trademarks
With extensive experience in intellectual property, DEDICA has helped hundreds of domestic and international companies successfully register their trademarks in Vietnam. Beyond paperwork, we provide long-term brand protection strategies to safeguard your business growth.
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)
🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Working Hours: Mon – Fri (8:30 – 18:00)
