What do foreign individuals or organizations need to prepare to register a trademark in Vietnam?

In today’s globalized world, more and more foreign brands are looking to expand into the Vietnamese market. But for a brand to be protected under Vietnamese law, the first and most crucial step is to register the trademark in Vietnam. So, is the procedure simple? What do foreigners need to prepare to avoid legal obstacles?

Trademark registration in Vietnam for foreigners is not significantly different from that for local businesses. However, due to legal and language barriers, foreign investors often face more difficulties without support from a professional legal service provider. In this article, DEDICA will share a complete guide to trademark registration for foreigners in Vietnam—from A to Z—along with practical tips to help investors best prepare.

Do foreigners have the right to register trademarks in Vietnam?

According to the Vietnamese Law on Intellectual Property, foreign individuals and organizations are fully entitled to register trademarks in Vietnam. However, if they do not have a business address, manufacturing, or trading establishment in Vietnam, they must file through a licensed industrial property representative in Vietnam.
This means foreign applicants must go through an intermediary—usually a law firm or an IP agency—to submit their application.

What documents are required for trademark registration?

Foreign applicants must prepare the following documents:

• Trademark application form (as per the official template);

• 5 color or black & white trademark samples in standard size;

• A list of goods/services under the Nice Classification;

• Power of Attorney appointing a local IP representative;

• A notarized Vietnamese translation of the applicant’s passport or business registration certificate.

Depending on the case, additional documents may be required, such as proof of priority rights or prior registration in other countries.

Trademark registration process in Vietnam:

All trademark applications are handled by the Vietnam IP Office (NOIP), through 5 main stages:

Stage 1: Filing and formality check (1–2 months)
Upon receiving a valid application, the NOIP will check the form. If acceptable, the application will be assigned an official number and filing date.

Stage 2: Publication (2 months after valid filing)
The application is published in the Industrial Property Gazette, allowing third parties to oppose if there is a valid reason.

Stage 3: Substantive examination (9–12 months)
This is the most critical stage. The NOIP will assess the registrability of the mark, based on criteria such as distinctiveness and conflict with existing trademarks.

Stage 4: Grant of Certificate (1–2 months after passing examination)
If no opposition arises and the mark qualifies, the NOIP will issue a Certificate of Trademark Registration.

Stage 5: Announcement and Recordkeeping
After issuance, the trademark will be officially published and protected across Vietnam for 10 years (renewable indefinitely).

Cost and timeline:

Foreign applicants must pay:

• Official fees (according to NOIP’s schedule); and

• Service fees (varying by provider and scope of registration).

The entire process typically takes 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the application and any oppositions or amendments.

Key notes for foreign applicants:

• Prior trademark search is crucial to avoid rejection due to identical or similar existing trademarks.

• Paris Convention Priority: If the mark was filed in another member country within the past 6 months, priority can be claimed in Vietnam.

• Accurate class selection is essential; mistakes can limit protection scope or result in invalidation.

• Language barrier: All documents must be filed in Vietnamese—making a qualified local representative essential.

DEDICA – Your Trusted Legal Partner in Trademark Registration in Vietnam

With years of experience in IP law, DEDICA’s legal team has successfully assisted hundreds of foreign businesses in registering their trademarks in Vietnam—from strategic consulting, prior search, dossier preparation, to working directly with the IP Office. We not only understand the law but also the language and administrative differences foreign investors often face.

Looking to expand your brand into Vietnam?
Let DEDICA accompany you from day one to secure your trademark in the Vietnamese market.

📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo supported)
🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Working hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 18:00)

👉 Contact us now for a free first consultation!