Supporting enterprises in developing intellectual property assets

(ĐN)- In the context of increasing international integration, scientific and technological advancement, and the rapid growth of e-commerce, intellectual property (IP) plays an increasingly vital role in helping local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and OCOP (One Commune One Product) program participants, build their brands and enhance product competitiveness.

Recognizing this, Dong Nai province has been actively promoting various initiatives to support and guide local businesses in establishing and registering IP-related assets, including patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and geographical indications.

Businesses and OCOP entities promote and showcase their products at a trade connection conference in Dong Nai in May 2025.

Toward sustainable brand development

IP rights, especially trademarks and trade names, are becoming key pillars in enterprise branding development strategies as e-commerce and digital consumption continue to expand.

Many local businesses are undergoing a shift in awareness regarding IP, seeing it not only as a legal safeguard but also as a foundation for long-term brand development and competitive advantage.

According to Director Dinh Thanh Thien of Laven Group Co., Ltd. in Gia Kiem Commune, the company has prioritized the registration and protection of its brand, Laven Coffee, since its establishment more than five years ago. With guidance and support from the provincial Department of Science and Technology, the company has consistently updated itself on relevant IP standards and requirements.

“Ensuring compliance with intellectual property (IP) requirements serves as a crucial foundation for the company to build its brand story and recognition among partners and consumers. At the same time, it enables the company to address disputes related to brand and trademark issues. This was clearly demonstrated recently when a coffee producer attempted to use the Laven brand name for business purposes. However, since we were able to provide sufficient documentation proving that the Laven Coffee brand had been officially registered and granted IP protection, negotiations resulted in the other party ultimately agreeing to stop using the name Laven Coffee.” Thien noted.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, Deputy Head of the Legal and Corporate Compliance Club under the Dong Nai Bar Association and Director of Luat Viet A Tax & Accounting Co., Ltd. in Tran Bien Ward, emphasized that local SMEs should carefully consider the naming of their businesses and products from the outset. He recommends selecting names that are easy to understand and recognize, while also building both Vietnamese and English versions to support long-term brand development, especially for export-import enterprises. This also helps minimize the cost and complexity of registering IP rights and trademarks later on.

Tuan also advised businesses to proactively register website domains aligned with their brand names, such as .vn or .com.vn …, to enhance online visibility and communication.

Rolling out support solutions for businesses

To further assist businesses and OCOP producers, the Dong Nai Department of Science and Technology (DoST) has rolled out several initiatives to support IP registration, management, and post-registration quality control.

In early July 2025, the department issued its annual action plan for the IP sector, aiming to improve the effectiveness of state management of IP activities and to concretely implement the provincial IP development strategy through 2030.

Deputy Director Vo Hoang Khai of DoST stated that the department will coordinate with relevant agencies, organizations, and local authorities to organize training sessions, workshops, and conferences on IP across the province. These events will focus on disseminating updated legal documents and raising public awareness about IP protection.

He added that special attention will be given to supporting the creation, registration, and development of certification marks, collective marks, and geographical indications for local specialties, traditional craft products, and region-specific goods. Study tours and knowledge exchanges on IP development models and best practices in managing collective and certification marks will also be organized.

In addition, the department will continue to assist businesses, organizations, and individuals in registering for IP protection, with a stronger focus on patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and new plant varieties, both domestically and internationally.

By H.Quan/ Translated by M.Nguyet-H.Trang