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On December 10, 2025, at the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly, the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Intellectual Property Law No. 131/2025/QH15 was officially adopted and took effect on April 1, 2026. The enactment of this law marks a significant adjustment in the intellectual property legal framework, aiming to modernize administrative procedures, enhance the commercialization of intellectual property assets, and adapt to rapid technological development in the new era.
1. Strengthening administrative reform and digital transformation in intellectual property activities
One of the most notable features of the amended law is the strong focus on administrative reform, significantly shortening the processing time for industrial property applications and simplifying registration procedures. The substantive examination period for Vietnam design patent timeline has been reduced from 18 months to 12 months; trademark applications from 9 months to 5 months; industrial design applications to 5 months; and the publication period for applications to only 1 month.
In particular, a fast-track examination mechanism for register trademark in Vietnam as well as patent has been introduced, allowing substantive examination to be completed within approximately 3 months if conditions prescribed by the Government are met. This represents an important step forward in improving the competitiveness of the intellectual property registration system and facilitating quicker access to protection for businesses.
Alongside shorter processing timelines, the law also promotes comprehensive digital transformation in intellectual property administration. Application procedures will be simplified, post-audit mechanisms strengthened, and new technologies—especially artificial intelligence—applied to improve efficiency and ensure compliance with statutory deadlines.
2. Promoting the commercialization of intellectual property rights
The amended law goes beyond protection and aims to transform intellectual property rights into tangible economic assets. A legal framework for commercialization has been established to support organizations and individuals in using intellectual property rights in civil, commercial, and investment activities.
Intellectual property rights can now be used as capital contributions, collateral for loans, or in commercial transactions in accordance with legal regulations. At the same time, a database on intellectual property transaction prices will be developed to enhance market transparency and facilitate the growth of intermediary services such as valuation and brokerage of intellectual property rights.
A noteworthy addition is the requirement to create a separate internal management list for intellectual property rights that do not yet qualify for asset recognition in accounting books. This provision encourages enterprises to manage intellectual property as a strategic asset and reduces the risk of neglecting or failing to maintain protection certificates.
3. Expanding the scope of intellectual property protection
The amended law introduces protection mechanisms for several new subject matters in line with market and technological developments. In the field of industrial designs, the law now allows protection for inseparable parts of products and extends protection to non-physical products such as graphical user interfaces (GUI), icons, and digital designs.
In the area of copyright in Vietnam, encrypted program-carrying cable signals are now protected, strengthening the protection of digital content and program transmission systems in the modern technological environment.
Consult with ASL LAW, a registered Vietnam trademark registration agent that provides Vietnam Trademark Registration, protection of industrial design in Vietnam, Vietnam Patent Registration guide, etc. through top-tier Vietnam trademark lawyer, Vietnam patent attorney for detailed support.
4. Addressing legal issues arising from artificial intelligence
The rapid development of artificial intelligence has created new legal challenges for intellectual property systems, and Law No. 131/2025/QH15 provides initial regulatory responses.
The law permits the use of data for research, testing, and AI training, provided that such use does not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of right holders and authors. Regulations concerning AI-generated subject matter have also been clarified.
Specifically, protection titles may be refused or invalidated if the protected subject matter is determined to be entirely generated by AI without human creativity, in line with the principle that intellectual property protection applies only to human-created works. The Government will issue detailed regulations on the establishment of rights for products involving AI in the creative process.
In addition, register trademark in Vietnam containing the name “Vietnam” will be subject to stricter control to prevent misuse or confusion.
5. Enhancing the effectiveness of intellectual property enforcement
The amended law further strengthens enforcement measures, particularly in the digital environment. Civil remedies for infringement have been clarified and expanded, and digital platforms are now assigned greater responsibility in cooperating with authorities to protect intellectual property rights.
Statutory damages have also been increased to enhance deterrence and better reflect real-world conditions, contributing to the reduction of online infringement.
Notes for organizations and individuals
Along with these positive changes, the amended law imposes stricter compliance requirements on organizations and individuals. Intellectual property infringements in the digital environment will be handled more rigorously, requiring businesses and individuals to proactively review their activities to avoid legal and financial risks.
Furthermore, new grounds for invalidation or termination of protection titles may increase the time and cost involved in dispute resolution. Engaging legal counsel, requesting expert opinions, or conducting technical assessments may become necessary in intellectual property disputes.
Overall significance of the amended law
The amendment of the Intellectual Property Law contributes to the completion of the legal framework and creates a more favorable environment for the protection, commercialization, and enforcement of intellectual property rights in the context of deep international integration. The law not only promotes innovation but also supports the development of the intellectual property asset market and enhances the competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises and products.
At the same time, this reform lays an important foundation for adopting and mastering advanced scientific and technological achievements, thereby improving economic growth quality and accelerating Vietnam’s international economic integration in the coming period.
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