Quy trình đăng ký nhãn hiệu từ 01/04/2026

Five Key Steps in the Trademark Registration Procedure

Filing and Acceptance of Application

Applicants may choose one of the following filing methods:

Direct filing in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang
Online filing via the public service portal

The filing date establishes the priority date under the first-to-file principle.

Disclosure of Application Information

Upon receipt, basic information of the application will be:

Published on the intellectual property database system
Including: application number, filing date, trademark specimen, classes, and applicant details

This disclosure ensures:

Transparency
Early identification of potential conflicts

Formality Examination

Statutory timeline: 01 month

The authority will review:

Formal validity of the application
Compliance of the trademark specimen
Classification of goods/services

If deficiencies are found:

The applicant must amend within the prescribed period

Publication of Application

Statutory timeline: 02 months from acceptance of formality

The application will be published in:

The Industrial Property Gazette
The system of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam

This stage allows:

Third-party opposition
Identification of potential disputes

Substantive Examination

Statutory timeline: 05 months from publication

The authority will assess:

Distinctiveness
Likelihood of confusion
Conflicts with prior rights

Notable Practical Developments in 2026

In practice, several improvements have been observed:

Streamlining of procedural steps
Increased use of digital systems and data transparency
Potential reduction in processing time for straightforward applications

However, it should be noted:

Statutory timelines remain unchanged

Any reduction in processing time depends on:

Quality of the application
Examination workload
Whether objections or oppositions arise

Timeline: Statutory vs. Practical

Under Vietnamese IP Law:

Formality examination: 1 month
Publication: 2 months
Substantive examination: 5 months

Total: approximately 8 months

In practice in Vietnam:

Processing time is typically extended by approximately 4 months

→ Total practical timeline: 12–14 months

Key Considerations for Applicants

Trademark registration is not merely a filing exercise, but a strategic legal process.

To improve the likelihood of successful registration:Conduct a prior trademark search
Ensure correct classification under the Nice Classification
Prepare a complete and compliant application
Monitor and respond to Office Actions in a timely manner

Conclusion

Although the trademark registration procedure in 2026 shows a trend toward greater efficiency and simplification, it remains a substantive legal examination process.

Proper preparation from the outset will help: