In the first half of 2026, Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Office achieved significant breakthroughs by processing over 115,800 applications and cutting administrative procedures by nearly half. The agency also advanced key legal frameworks and digital initiatives while actively addressing international trade challenges like the U.S. Section 301 investigation. These efforts establish a modernized and highly efficient foundation for the country’s IP protection and enforcement goals moving forward.
HANOI – Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Office processed more than 115,800 industrial property applications in the first half of 2026, slashing administrative procedures and wait times as the country bolsters its intellectual property (IP) protection framework, the agency reported.
The Intellectual Property Office holds the mid-year review conference and outlines tasks for the second half of 2026. Photo credit: Center for Science and Technology Communication.
📌 Surging Application Volumes and Key Mid-Year Outcomes
At a mid-year review conference on July 3, the office highlighted significant operational shifts to accommodate a surging volume of applications while strengthening measures against counterfeit goods and IP infringement.
Between January and June, the agency received 89,816 industrial property applications, a 20.7% increase from the same period in 2025. Total applications processed reached 115,819, up 15% year-on-year, resulting in the issuance of 39,981 protection titles. The surge was largely driven by a sharp increase in patent, utility solution, and trademark filings, as well as post-grant requests and dispute resolutions.
1. Regulatory Front and National Policy Developments
On the regulatory front, the office advised the government on detailed provisions for the amended Intellectual Property Law. It also facilitated the issuance of Prime Ministerial Directive 02/CT-TTg and Telegram 38/CD-TTg, which aim to intensify the nationwide crackdown on IP violations. Crucially, the agency drafted a comprehensive scheme on leveraging IP for socio-economic development, serving as the foundation for the Politburo’s Conclusion No. 51-KL/TW issued on June 17.
2. International Trade Coordination and Global Safeguards
In a notable development regarding international trade, the office confirmed it is closely coordinating with relevant ministries to respond to a Section 301 investigation launched by the United States concerning Vietnam’s IP practices. The agency is compiling data and formulating strategies to safeguard national interests while ensuring compliance with international commitments.
📌 Administrative Reforms, Digitalization, and Future Outlook
Digital transformation and administrative reforms remained key focuses. The agency reduced its administrative procedures from 57 to 31. Aggregate procedural resolution times were cut by roughly 55%, lowering total compliance costs for applicants from 525.6 billion VND to 247.7 billion VND. The rate of online application submissions and processing has stabilized at approximately 80%.
Looking to the second half of 2026, the IP Office stated it will prioritize the implementation of Conclusion 51, continue navigating the U.S. Section 301 probe, and focus on eliminating processing backlogs. Furthermore, the agency plans to finalize a specialized IP database and integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its search, examination, and advisory operations to further streamline services.
Source: mst.gov.vn
