# Registering a trademark Source: https://luatbanquyen.com/en/procedures/register-a-trademark · Updated: 2026-08-17 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 [https://ipvietnam.gov.vn/](https://ipvietnam.gov.vn/) ## 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. ## Sources - [Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC — industrial property fee schedule](https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/default.aspx?pageid=27160&docid=188038) (263/2016/TT-BTC) - [Circular 64/2025/TT-BTC — 50% reduction in industrial property fees](https://xaydungchinhsach.chinhphu.vn/toan-van-thong-tu-64-2025-tt-btc-quy-dinh-muc-thu-mien-mot-so-khoan-phi-le-phi-11925070116332603.htm) (64/2025/TT-BTC) - [Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam — official portal](https://ipvietnam.gov.vn/) --- Reference material only; it does not replace legal advice on a specific matter.