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Vietnam is entering a new stage of competition in technology and intellectual property as major corporations from the United States, South Korea, Japan, and China rapidly expand their patent portfolios in this market. The global shift in R&D hubs, combined with Vietnam’s fast-growing digital economy, is turning the country into a strategic destination for innovation.
Enterprises doing business in Vietnam should contact a reputable Vietnam Intellectual Property Law Firm to receive in-depth consultation to their needs.
Global patent landscape: The U.S. and China lead, while Vietnam remains modest
According to the IP Market 2025 Report by ASL LAW, the 5G and telecommunications sector continues to be a “golden field” for international corporations. The United States dominates with 46% of global patent filings, followed by China at 35%, South Korea at 6%, while Vietnam accounts for only around 2%.
This gap reflects Vietnam’s ongoing process of narrowing its technological distance—particularly in fast-evolving industries such as next-generation mobile networks, connectivity infrastructure, and telecommunications equipment. However, this gap is also a catalyst for deeper technology cooperation and the development of new R&D hubs.
Vietnam rises in high-tech manufacturing
A notable development is that in the high-tech manufacturing segment, Vietnam ranks second with 19% of patent filings, trailing only Japan (26%) and surpassing the United States (13%). Companies such as Samsung, LG, Honda, Toyota, and Canon have maintained continuous R&D and patent activities in Vietnam, making the high-tech ecosystem more vibrant than ever. Key areas of filing patent in Vietnam include:
• 5G and telecommunications infrastructure
• Digital data processing and applied AI
• Automation in production lines
• Advanced industrial manufacturing technologies
These trends indicate that Vietnam is steadily becoming a “high-tech manufacturing base” within the region.
Growing presence of Qualcomm, Huawei, LG, and Samsung
The expansion of patent portfolios by leading technology corporations in Vietnam extends beyond manufacturing to research, development, and intellectual property protection.
• Qualcomm continues to increase filings related to mobile chips, wireless connectivity, and IoT platforms.
• Huawei remains heavily invested in 5G patents and core network technologies.
• LG and Samsung are expanding patents in display technologies, AI-integrated home appliances, and semiconductors.
This presence creates significant competitive pressure for Vietnamese companies, yet it simultaneously elevates Vietnam’s role as a key link in the global innovation network.
Challenges and opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises
Although domestic companies are increasing their patent filings, the gap with multinational corporations remains substantial—both in R&D capacity and in the speed of commercialization. However, this disparity creates three strategic opportunities:
- Deeper participation in value chains through technology transfer. Vietnam is an attractive destination for large-scale technology transfer, especially in smart manufacturing.
- Formation of IP alliances. Patent alliances help Vietnamese enterprises reduce R&D costs, access core technologies, and strengthen competitive positioning.
- Early filing patent in Vietnam for market advantage. As Vietnam becomes a hub for global corporations, early IP protection helps domestic companies reduce dispute risks and increase commercial value.
Vietnam – Asia’s new IP hotspot
Data from the report shows that technological competition is no longer confined by borders; it is unfolding within Vietnam’s own innovation ecosystem. The continuous expansion of patent portfolios by global tech giants demonstrates that Vietnam is becoming a new battleground in the global intellectual property race.
This is not merely a story of technology development—it is a strategic IP race in which the companies that hold the most patents will gain the strongest competitive advantage in the digital economy.
Download the full report here.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Intellectual Property Services. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
