5 Things International Brands Should Know About Trademark Renewal in Vietnam

In today's globalized and cross-border commercial landscape, international brands pay close attention not only to trademark registration in their home countries but also to securing protection in key foreign markets - Vietnam being one of them. Timely and proper renewal of international trademarks is crucial for maintaining legal rights and avoiding the risks of invalidation or disputes.

1. International trademarks are valid for 10 years in Vietnam – from the original registration date

Under the Madrid System, international trademarks protected in Vietnam are valid for 10 years from the date of the original international application (priority or WIPO filing date). Some companies mistakenly calculate from the date Vietnam's IP Office granted protection, leading to missed renewals and invalidation. Accurate deadline tracking and early renewal planning are therefore essential.

2. Ideal renewal window: 6 months before expiration

Trademark renewal should ideally be completed within the 6 months preceding its expiration. During this window, your IP representative in Vietnam can prepare documentation, track the WIPO status, and submit the request on time. Late renewal is allowed within a 6-month grace period, but it incurs additional fees and carries a higher risk of opposition.

3. Local IP representation in Vietnam is mandatory

Under Vietnamese law, trademark owners without a local address or business presence must appoint a licensed IP representative in Vietnam to handle renewal procedures. This ensures legal compliance and facilitates timely responses to any additional requests from the Vietnam IP Office.

4. Renewal is a strategic checkpoint for brand protection

Renewal is not merely an administrative step. It’s a strategic checkpoint to reassess your IP assets:

• Should you expand the scope of goods/services?
• Has your logo or branding evolved?
• Is it time to register related copyrights, industrial designs, or domain names?

A comprehensive IP strategy strengthens your market position and enhances legal value in franchising, licensing, or investment scenarios.

5. Watch out for confusingly similar marks and bad-faith filings

There have been cases where third parties in Vietnam filed for confusingly similar marks right before a foreign brand's renewal. If not detected and addressed promptly, these filings can block renewal or trigger legal disputes. Combining renewal with similarity search and infringement monitoring is thus highly recommended.

Conclusion:

Trademark renewal in Vietnam is not just a legal obligation, it’s a chance to optimize your brand protection strategy and safeguard your market presence.
Asoka Law proudly assists 3,500+ local and international businesses in securing their intellectual property rights.
Get in touch: consult@asokalaw.vn | +84 961 914 328 (IP International Division).