GUIDE TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN REGISTRATION FOR TABLES IN VIETNAM

1. Can a table be protected as an industrial design?

Yes. Industrial design protection may be considered for various types of tables, including:

- Office desks;

- Dining tables;

- Coffee tables;

- Study desks;

- Conference tables;

- Dressing tables;

- Folding tables;

- Height-adjustable tables;

- Table-and-shelf combinations;

- Convertible tables;

- Other furniture tables.

Industrial design protection focuses on the external appearance of the table, rather than its technical operating principle or functional concept.

2. Which features of a table may be protected?

The scope of protection may focus on features such as:

- Shape of the tabletop;

- Shape of the legs;

- Arrangement of the legs;

- Proportions between the tabletop and supporting structure;

- Curves and contours;

- Overall three-dimensional form;

- Arrangement of shelves or drawers;

- Visible decorative details.

For example, a table having a rectangular tabletop with rounded corners, inclined frame-shaped legs, and a distinctive connecting structure may possess a protectable overall appearance.

3. Requirements for industrial design protection

To qualify for industrial design protection in Vietnam, the table design must satisfy the applicable legal requirements, including:

Novelty

The design must not be identical to or insignificantly different from a design that has already been publicly disclosed before the filing date or priority date.

Inventive character

The design must not be easily created from previously known industrial designs.

Industrial applicability

The table must be capable of repeated manufacture by industrial or handicraft methods.

4. File before publicly disclosing the table design

Because novelty is an important requirement, businesses should preferably file an industrial design application before publicly disclosing the table.

Particular care should be taken before:

- Publishing images on a website;

- Posting on Facebook, TikTok or Instagram;

- Listing the product on e-commerce platforms;

- Displaying it at exhibitions;

- Issuing catalogues;

- Selling the product publicly.

A safer strategy is: File first – disclose later.

5. How should the drawing set for a table be prepared?

The representation set is one of the most important parts of an industrial design application.

It will usually include:

- Perspective view;

- Front view;

- Rear view;

- Left-side view;

- Right-side view;

- Top view;

- Bottom view.

The drawings or photographs should:

- Represent the same design consistently;

- Use consistent proportions;

- Show clear contours;

- Avoid technical dimensions;

- Avoid unnecessary arrows, reference numerals or annotations.

Where two sides are identical, this may be stated appropriately in the application.

6. Can a component of a table be registered separately?

Potentially yes, provided that the component satisfies the applicable protection requirements.

Examples may include:

- Table legs;

- Tabletop;

- Supporting frame;

- Drawer;

- Shelf integrated with the table.

However, it is necessary to assess whether the component has sufficient independent design features and is suitable for separate protection.

7. What if the table has several versions?

Where the versions share the same overall design concept and differ only in minor details, they may potentially be filed as variants, subject to the applicable unity requirements.

For example:

- Similar tables with two or four legs;

- The same table with different drawer arrangements;

- Versions differing only in minor decorative details.

Where the appearances differ materially, separate applications should be considered.

8. Documents required for industrial design registration of a table

A typical application includes:

- Industrial design application form;

- Industrial design description;

- Set of drawings or photographs;

- Proof of payment of official fees;

- Power of Attorney where filed through a representative;

- Documents proving the right to file, where applicable;

- Priority documents, if priority is claimed.

9. What should the industrial design description focus on?

The description should focus on visible design features.

For example:

The industrial design sought to be protected is a table having an elongated rectangular tabletop with rounded corners, and two frame-shaped leg assemblies positioned symmetrically beneath the tabletop, forming an integrated overall appearance as shown in the accompanying drawings.

The description should generally avoid excessive discussion of:

- Load-bearing capacity;

- Assembly mechanisms;

- Moving structures;

- Screws;

- Technical dimensions;

- Functional advantages.

Where such technical features are new and inventive, patent or utility solution protection may also be considered.

10. Should a folding or convertible table be protected by industrial design or patent rights?

Potentially both.

For example, a table may have:

- A distinctive external appearance; and

- A mechanism allowing conversion from a table into a storage shelf.

In that case:

External appearance → Industrial design protection.

Conversion mechanism → Potential patent or utility solution protection.

The two rights protect different aspects of the product and may complement each other.

11. Common mistakes in table industrial design applications

Common issues include:

- Publicly disclosing the design before filing;

- Inconsistent drawings;

- Photographs with distracting backgrounds;

- Using engineering drawings containing excessive dimensions;

- Describing functions rather than appearance;

- Failing to identify the key design features;

- Registering only the complete table where an important component may also warrant separate protection.

12. Industrial design registration services for tables provided by A.D.V.N

A.D.V.N Law Company Limited assists clients with:

- Assessing protectability of table designs;

- Conducting searches for similar designs;

- Advising on the scope of protection;

- Determining whether to protect the complete table or selected components;

- Preparing and reviewing drawing sets;

- Reviewing CAD files;

- Drafting industrial design descriptions and protection claims;

- Classifying industrial designs;

- Filing applications with the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam;

- Monitoring examination and responding to official notices;

- Advising on international industrial design protection;

- Coordinating industrial design, patent and trademark protection.

Conclusion

Industrial design registration for tables in Vietnam is an important legal measure for protecting the external appearance of furniture products against unauthorized copying.

Before filing, businesses should pay particular attention to four points:

File before public disclosure;
Prepare clear and consistent drawings;
Identify the design features that should be protected;
Consider patent or utility solution protection where the table also incorporates a new technical mechanism.

A.D.V.N Law Company Limited provides legal advice, filing and enforcement services for industrial designs relating to tables, furniture and other products in Vietnam and abroad.