WHERE ARE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DISPUTES RESOLVED FROM JULY 1, 2025?

As disputes involving trademarks, patents, industrial designs, copyrights, trade secrets, and technology transfer agreements continue to increase, identifying the competent court is one of the most critical steps before initiating legal proceedings in Vietnam.

Previously, intellectual property (IP) disputes were generally handled by the provincial-level People's Court where the defendant resided or maintained its principal place of business under the general jurisdictional rules of the Civil Procedure Code.

However, because IP disputes often involve highly specialized legal and technical issues, the Vietnamese judicial system has introduced a new centralized jurisdiction model to improve the quality and consistency of adjudication.

Effective July 1, 2025, pursuant to Resolution No. 81/2025/UBTVQH15 of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, first-instance jurisdiction over intellectual property disputes and technology transfer disputes has been consolidated into only two Regional People's Courts nationwide.

This marks a significant reform aimed at establishing specialized judicial expertise in intellectual property litigation in Vietnam.

Why Has Vietnam Centralized Intellectual Property Litigation?

Unlike ordinary civil disputes, intellectual property cases frequently require judges to evaluate complex technical and legal issues, including:

Determining the scope of protection of patents, industrial designs, trademarks, or copyrighted works;
Comparing allegedly infringing products or signs with protected intellectual property rights;
Assessing the likelihood of confusion in trademark infringement cases;
Determining copyright infringement involving literary works, software, databases, or digital content;
Interpreting licensing agreements, technology transfer contracts, and other IP-related commercial arrangements.

By concentrating these disputes in only two designated courts, Vietnam seeks to:

Develop judges with specialized expertise in intellectual property law;
Ensure greater consistency in judicial decisions nationwide;
Improve the quality of adjudication in technically complex disputes;
Enhance judicial efficiency and legal certainty for businesses and rights holders.

Regional People's Court No. 2 in Hanoi

The Regional People's Court No. 2 in Hanoi has jurisdiction over intellectual property and technology transfer disputes arising in the following localities:

Hanoi
Hai Phong
Hue
Bac Ninh
Cao Bang
Dien Bien
Ha Tinh
Hung Yen
Lai Chau
Lang Son
Lao Cai
Nghe An
Ninh Binh
Phu Tho
Quang Ninh
Quang Tri
Son La
Thai Nguyen
Thanh Hoa
Tuyen Quang

Filing Address

Court documents may be submitted at either of the following locations:

Main Office

30 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Lang Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Branch Office

Administrative Complex of Judicial Authorities, Lane 27 Le Van Luong Street, Thanh Xuan Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Regional People's Court No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City

The Regional People's Court No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City has jurisdiction over intellectual property and technology transfer disputes arising in:

Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho
Da Nang
An Giang
Ca Mau
Dak Lak
Dong Nai
Dong Thap
Gia Lai
Khanh Hoa
Lam Dong
Quang Ngai
Tay Ninh
Vinh Long

Filing Address

Court petitions and supporting documents should be filed at:

No. 4 Ly Tu Trong Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

What Types of Intellectual Property Cases Fall Within Their Jurisdiction?

These two Regional People's Courts are responsible for hearing a broad range of first-instance disputes relating to intellectual property and technology transfer, including:

Trademark infringement disputes;
Patent disputes;
Industrial design disputes;
Copyright and related rights disputes;
Geographical indication disputes;
Trade name disputes;
Trade secret disputes;
Technology transfer agreement disputes;
Intellectual property licensing disputes;
Ownership disputes concerning intellectual property rights;
Claims seeking injunctions, cessation of infringement, damages, or other civil remedies arising from intellectual property infringement.

What Should Rights Holders Prepare Before Filing a Lawsuit?

Although jurisdiction has changed, plaintiffs continue to bear the burden of proving their claims. Before commencing litigation, intellectual property owners should carefully prepare:

Certificates of registration or other documents establishing ownership of the intellectual property rights;
Evidence demonstrating the alleged infringement;
Evidence of damages or the infringer's unlawful profits;
Documentation confirming that the selected court has jurisdiction under Resolution No. 81/2025/UBTVQH15;
A lawsuit petition and supporting documents prepared in compliance with the Civil Procedure Code.

For technically sophisticated disputes—particularly those involving patents, industrial designs, trade secrets, or technology transfer—expert opinions, infringement analyses, and technical assessments prepared at an early stage can significantly strengthen a party's litigation strategy.

A.D.V.N Law – Representing Clients in Intellectual Property Litigation Across Vietnam

A.D.V.N Law provides comprehensive legal services in intellectual property disputes for domestic and international clients, including:

Preliminary assessment of legal claims;
Evidence collection and infringement analysis;
Preparation of litigation documents;
Representation before Vietnamese courts;
Negotiation and settlement;
Enforcement of intellectual property rights and recovery of damages.

With extensive experience in trademark litigation, patent disputes, copyright enforcement, industrial design protection, and technology transfer matters, A.D.V.N Law is committed to helping businesses and innovators effectively safeguard their intellectual property rights throughout Vietnam.