Registering a trademark
The most common IP procedure for businesses. The cost depends almost entirely on how many Nice classes of goods and services you claim.
- Competent authority: Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam — Ministry of Science and Technology
Steps
| # | Steps | Contents | Timeline | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Search for availability (Case by case) | Search the IP Office database, the WIPO Global Brand Database and Madrid Monitor. A mark identical or confusingly similar to a registered mark for similar goods will be refused. | 1–2 weeks | |
| 2 | Select Nice classes for goods and services | A strategic decision, not paperwork. Claim too few classes and a competitor can take the gaps; claim too many and you pay for coverage you may lose for non-use. | Before filing | |
| 3 | File the application and pay the fees | 1 day | ||
| 4 | Formality examination | 1 month from a valid filing | Điều 119 Luật SHTT | |
| 5 | Publication of the application | From publication, third parties may file observations or an opposition. | 2 months from acceptance of a valid application | Điều 110 Luật SHTT |
| 6 | Substantive examination | From 1 April 2026 substantive examination of trademark applications was shortened from 9 months to 5. Eligible applications may request accelerated examination, cutting this to roughly 3 months under Article 14a of Decree 65/2023 (as amended). | 5 months from publication | Luật số 131/2025/QH15; Nghị định 100/2026/NĐ-CP; Thông tư 10/2026/TT-BKHCN |
| 7 | Grant of the trademark registration certificate | After paying the grant charge |
Documents required
| Documents required | Required | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Trademark application form | Required | |
| Specimen of the mark | Required | Of the prescribed size, showing colours if colour is claimed. |
| List of goods and services classified under the Nice Classification | Required | |
| Power of attorney for the IP agent | Case by case | |
| Regulations on the use of a collective or certification mark | Case by case | Mandatory for collective or certification marks. |
| Priority document | Case by case |
Fees and charges
| Fees and charges | VND | Legal basis | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing charge | 150.000 | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | Fully waived when filing through the VNeID app between 1 April and 31 December 2026. |
| Publication fee for the application | 120.000 | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | |
| Search fee in aid of examination | 180.000 / VND per class (up to 6 items) | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | |
| Substantive examination fee | 550.000 / VND per class (up to 6 items) | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | The item that dominates the total — it scales directly with the number of classes. |
| Additional examination fee for the 7th and further items in a class | 120.000 / VND per item | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | |
| Grant charge for the registration certificate (first class) | 120.000 | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | Fully waived when filing through the VNeID app between 1 April and 31 December 2026. |
| Grant charge for each class from the second onward | 100.000 / VND per class | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | |
| Registry entry fee for the grant decision | 120.000 | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC | |
| Publication fee for the grant decision | 120.000 | Thông tư 263/2016/TT-BTC |
50% reduction in industrial property fees under Circular 64/2025/TT-BTC: In force 1 July 2025 – 31 December 2026. Filing via the VNeID app additionally waives the filing charge and the grant charge entirely between 1 April and 31 December 2026.
Filing channels
- In person at the IP Office or a representative office
- By postal service
- Online; via the VNeID app the filing and grant charges are waived until 31 December 2026
Common mistakes
- Registering a company name with the business registry is NOT a trademark registration. The two systems are independent; a registered company name can still infringe a trademark.
- Marks that directly describe the goods (e.g. "Good Coffee" for coffee) are usually refused for lack of distinctiveness.
- A mark unused for five consecutive years can be cancelled at a third party's request — registering "just in case" is less safe than people assume.
- A Vietnamese filing gives no protection abroad. If you sell on international marketplaces, consider the Madrid System.