IP alterations shape asset strategies for local investors

An amended intellectual property law, effective from April 1, reflects a forward-looking effort to harmonise with global trends.

- By Vu Hoang Ha Thu Associate and head of Intellectual Property, Indochine Counsel

In the coming period, sub-law regulations are expected to play a pivotal role in clarifying the scope and application of certain new provisions, particularly those relating to AI and data miningIn the context of increasingly intensive innovation, technological development and international economic integration, the law amending and supplementing the Law on Intellectual Property (IP) was adopted by the National Assembly to address issues arising in the course of implementing the current law, which was amended in 2009, 2019, and 2022.

By clarifying the scope of industrial design protection, taking the initial steps towards codifying IP issues related to AI, and establishing a legal framework for the use of published texts and data for research and technological development, these amendments hold direct significance for businesses and investors in formulating and adjusting strategies for the protection, exploitation, and commercialisation of IP assets in Vietnam.

The current IP law to expand the definition of industrial designs in two notable directions. Firstly, protected subject matter includes not only the design of an entire product but also the design of a part of a product (partial design), instead of being limited to entire products or parts used for assembling complex products under the current regulations. The protection of partial design is crucial for the automotive and electronics industries, where specific components serve as core brand identifiers.