In the age of global integration, creative works—from music, films, software to literature—are no longer bound by geographical borders. This raises a practical question for many foreign individuals and organizations: what procedures must be followed to protect copyrights in Vietnam?

Copyright protection is not just an administrative formality; it's a crucial step to safeguard creative efforts, intellectual property, and commercial value in Vietnam—a vibrant market of over 100 million people. However, without a clear understanding of Vietnamese legal regulations, many foreign copyright owners may face challenges in asserting their rights.

Does Vietnam recognize international copyright?

Vietnam is a member of several international intellectual property conventions, notably the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. Under this convention, copyrights arise automatically without the need for registration, provided that the work meets the protection conditions. This means that if you're a citizen of a Berne Convention member country, your work is automatically protected in Vietnam—even without registration.

However, in practice, not registering can make it difficult to prove ownership or defend your rights in disputes. Therefore, registering your copyright in Vietnam is still highly recommended if you want to legally enforce your rights.

How can foreign works be recognized in Vietnam?

To ensure effective protection of foreign works, in addition to meeting Vietnam’s legal conditions, the rights holder should register with the Copyright Office of Vietnam. This step solidifies legal ownership and facilitates enforcement actions in case of infringement. A common mistake among foreign applicants is submitting incorrect or incomplete applications. Below are the essential documents:

Required documents for copyright registration:

Copyright registration form (in Vietnamese, as per the Copyright Office’s template)
A copy of the work (digital or printed)
Power of attorney (if authorizing someone else to submit)
Proof of ownership (if the applicant is not the author)
Certified Vietnamese translation (for documents in other languages)

Properly preparing all documents helps avoid delays, rejections, or requests for additional information—which can negatively affect your business plans in Vietnam.

Which foreign works are eligible for copyright protection in Vietnam?

Under Vietnam's Intellectual Property Law, literary, artistic, and scientific works expressed in tangible forms are protected if:

The author is a Vietnamese citizen or a national of a Berne Convention member country
The work does not violate Vietnamese social ethics or traditions

Protected works include books, articles, lectures, musical compositions, software, films, artworks, architectural designs, and more. However, abstract ideas not expressed tangibly are not eligible for protection.

What to do if your copyright is infringed in Vietnam?

Whether registered or not, if your copyright is violated, you have several enforcement options:

Send a takedown request to the infringing party
File a complaint to platforms (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Spotify)
Report to cultural inspection authorities or the Economic Police
File a lawsuit in a competent court

To sue successfully, you'll need convincing evidence of ownership—another reason why registration is important in practice.

Why work with a legal firm for international copyright protection in Vietnam

Legal procedures in Vietnam come with local nuances, requiring understanding not just of law but also language, culture, and administrative practices. Partnering with a legal firm like DEDICA Law Firm helps you:

Assess the registrability of your work
Prepare and submit applications to the Copyright Office
Handle infringement issues
Develop long-term protection and commercial strategies

With extensive experience helping international clients protect IP rights in Vietnam, DEDICA delivers effective, tailored solutions across industries.

Copyright registration in Vietnam is not mandatory but is a strategic move that enhances your legal standing and ability to protect your rights in this market. With professional legal support, your copyright can be secured clearly, efficiently, and legally—paving the way for successful commercialization.

Own a foreign work and want protection in Vietnam?

Let DEDICA Law Firm help you register your copyright quickly, accurately, and effectively.

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