Businesses urged to prioritize intellectual property for sustainable growth

(ĐN)- As Vietnamese enterprises seek to strengthen their market presence, intellectual property (IP) protection is emerging as a critical factor for long-term development. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Dong Nai still limit IP practices to basic trademarks and packaging designs.

For most businesses today, intellectual property enforcement is still limited to product packaging and labeling.

At CP Nem Dong Nai, for instance, director Dang Thai Son shared that the company is focused on upgrading product quality and designs to cater to younger consumers. Yet like most local firms, their IP activities remain centered on packaging and logos, without expanding into more substantial IP assets such as patents or utility solutions.

Similarly, Mr Cong Coffee—a newcomer in the specialty coffee segment—is exploring niche product lines, including low-caffeine and fitness-focused blends. The brand has taken initial steps to register its label and packaging, but further protection of product concepts and formulations remains limited.

Assoc. Prof. Tu Diep Cong Thanh, director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Center under Vietnam National University HCMC, emphasized that in the context of global integration, businesses must look beyond surface-level IP. “Without legal protection for their innovations, firms risk losing valuable ideas or facing disputes later,” he noted.

This challenge is reflected in cases like the Mosla mosquito lamp developed by Nguyen Van Khoe of Solar Thermal Technology JSC in Bien Hoa. Despite successful trials, it took five years for the product to receive a utility solution patent, delaying mass production.

To address these issues, Dong Nai has approved a provincial IP development program through 2030, targeting support for at least 30 units annually in patent and trademark registration. The plan includes ensuring that 60% of key local products, including OCOP-labeled goods, receive IP protection and origin traceability.

According to Giang Vu Van, deputy head of specialized management at the provincial Department of Science and Technology, more proactive engagement from businesses is needed. “We’re committed to accompanying enterprises, helping them access state support policies and accelerate innovation,” he added.

Reported by V.Gia