Vietnam Trademark Law Update 2026: What Businesses Must Know Before Filing

Key Trends Under the 2026 Reforms

Under the updated framework administered by the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam, the trademark system is evolving in three main directions:

• Shorter examination timelines
• Simplified procedural steps
• Reduced response periods for applicants

In practice:
Speed increases—but flexibility decreases.

6 Major Changes in Vietnam Trademark Registration (2026)

1. Removal of the “Notice of Acceptance of Valid Application”

Previously, applicants received a formal decision confirming the validity of the application.

Under the new rules:

• No separate acceptance decision is issued
• Applications are directly published if deemed formally valid

Practical implication:
Publication now effectively confirms formal compliance.

2. Substantive Examination Time Reduced (9 → 5 Months)

• Previous timeline: ~9 months
• New timeline: 5 months from publication date

A smooth application may now be completed in approximately 7 months.

✔ This is the most impactful change for businesses seeking faster protection.

3. Introduction of Accelerated Examination (≈ 3 Months)

A fast-track mechanism is now available for certain cases.

However, eligibility is limited to:

• Marks linked to strategic technologies; or
• Cases where trademark registration is a mandatory condition for licensing or regulatory approval

Additional requirements apply, and not all applications qualify

4. Faster Decisions After Applicant Responses

Previously:

• Re-examination after response could take several months

Now:

• The authority must issue a decision within 50 working days after receiving the applicant’s response

✔ This significantly improves predictability and efficiency.

5. Shorter Deadlines for Applicant Responses

• Reduced from 3 months to 2 months

Applies to:

• Responses to provisional refusals
• Payment of grant fees

Risk alert:
Failure to respond in time may result in loss of rights.

6. New Trademark Application Form

From 2026:

• A new official application form must be used
• More detailed and accurate trademark descriptions are required

Even minor formal errors may lead to delays or amendments.

Practical Implications for Businesses

The 2026 reforms reflect a clear policy direction:

Faster procedures—but stricter requirements

To adapt, businesses should:

• Conduct professional trademark clearance searches before filing
• Ensure accurate classification and documentation
• Prepare legal arguments in advance (in case of refusal)
• Closely monitor deadlines and procedural developments

Legal Insight from A.D.V.N Law Firm

In practice, most trademark refusals arise not because a mark is inherently unregistrable, but due to:

• Lack of prior clearance search
• Incorrect classification
• Weak or insufficient legal arguments

Under the new system, early-stage accuracy is critical to avoid costly delays or refusals.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s 2026 trademark reforms present both opportunities and challenges:

• Faster registration timelines
• More efficient procedures
• But stricter compliance and shorter deadlines

Businesses should approach trademark registration not as a routine filing, but as a strategic legal process requiring careful preparation from the outset.

Trademark Services by A.D.V.N Law Firm

A.D.V.N Law Firm provides comprehensive support, including:

• Pre-filing legal assessment
• Trademark clearance search and risk analysis
• Application preparation and filing
• Handling refusals, oppositions, and appeals
• End-to-end representation before authorities

We ensure a smooth, compliant, and strategically optimized registration process.