Removing obstacles in collective trademarks and geographical indications for local products

In the context of international integration, intellectual property is playing an increasingly important role in branding and promoting the development of local products.

Promotion activities for local products at the Dong Nai Agricultural Achievements Exhibition 2025. Photo: Hai Quan

For certification marks, collective trademarks, and geographical indications affected by the restructuring of administrative units, the Provincial Department of Science and Technology has provided guidance and support to enterprises, cooperatives, and cooperative groups. These efforts help ensure that handling plans are implemented appropriately and in accordance with intellectual property regulations.

Strengthening guidance for trademark management entities

According to data from the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Viet Nam) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dong Nai Province currently has 3 geographical indications, 2 certification marks, and 47 collective trademarks registered and protected.

For geographical indications, there are three in total: the former Dong Nai province holds two geographical indications ("Tan Trieu" for pomelo and "Long Khanh" for rambutan), and the former Binh Phuoc province has one geographical indication ("Binh Phuoc" for cashew nuts). For certification marks, two are registered: the "Tra Co – Tan Phu giant freshwater prawn" certification mark and the "Binh Phuoc rubber" certification mark.

Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Science and Technology, Vo Hoang Khai, stated that for 21 valid collective trademarks owned and managed by cooperatives and cooperative groups, the department will issue written instructions for these units to proactively carry out procedures for amending and reissuing intellectual property certificates in accordance with the Law on Intellectual Property and relevant guiding documents.

Regarding collective trademarks, Dong Nai province has a total of 47. Specifically, the former Dong Nai province has 44 collective trademarks, 25of which remain valid; the former Binh Phuoc province has three collective trademarks. Among the 28 valid collective trademarks, seven are owned and managed by farmers’ associations or commune-level People’s Committees, while the remaining 21 are owned and managed by cooperatives and cooperative groups.

In mid-October 2025, the Provincial Department of Science and Technology convened a meeting to review and propose solutions for certification marks, collective trademarks, and geographical indications that were affected by the administrative unit restructuring. Representatives of relevant entities exchanged solutions to address issues related to several collective trademarks, including Gia Kiem water celery, Loc Thinh Pepper, Cam My durian, Long Khanh wood ear mushroom, Thanh Luong – Binh Long free-range chicken, Thanh Luong – Binh Long leather-skinned longan, and Loc Ninh pepper; as well as certification marks such as Tra Co freshwater prawn and Binh Phuoc rubber.

Deputy Director Vo Hoang Khai requested that trademark management entities review and reach a consensus with local authorities on appropriate handling measures for certification marks, collective trademarks, and geographical indications. He also directed the specialised divisions of the Department of Science and Technology to work closely with relevant units to strengthen guidance for trademark and geographical indication management entities, ensuring that all procedures comply with intellectual property regulations.

Focus on maintaining and developing brands and geographical indications

The Department of Science and Technology has proposed plans for assigning management and ownership rights for collective trademarks, certification marks, and geographical indications after the administrative restructuring.

Wood ear mushroom production in Long Khanh, a product granted intellectual property protection under a collective trademark. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Specifically, for the three geographical indications, the department proposed that the provincial People’s Committee assign the Department of Agriculture and Environment to manage two geographical indications: "Tan Trieu" for pomelo and "Long Khanh" for rambutan. The Department of Science and Technology will be responsible for managing the "Binh Phuoc" geographical indication for cashew nuts.

For the "Tra Co giant freshwater prawn" certification mark, the department proposed that the Provincial People’s Committee assign the Tan Phu commune People’s Committee as the owner and managing organisation. For the "Binh Phuoc rubber" certification mark, the department proposed that the Department of Science and Technology act as the owner and managing authority.

Among seven valid collective trademarks owned by farmers’ associations or commune-level People’s Committees, the department proposed that the provincial Farmers’ Association be assigned ownership and management of three collective trademarks: Loc Thinh Pepper, Cam My durian, and Loc Ninh pepper. The Gia Kiem commune Farmers’ Association would own and manage the Gia Kiem water celery collective trademark. The Bao Vinh ward Farmers’ Association would own and manage the Long Khanh wood ear mushroom collective trademark. The An Loc Ward Farmers’ Association would own and manage two collective trademarks: Thanh Luong – Binh Long free-range chicken and Thanh Luong – Binh Long leather-skinned longan.

Lai Van Nguyen, Chairman of the Gia Kiem commune Farmers’ Association, shared that the locality hopes the Department of Science and Technology will continue to assist in maintaining and updating the Gia Kiem water celery collective trademark to ensure full compliance with intellectual property regulations. This undertaking will establish a foundation for protecting and developing the brand of the commune’s water celery products, while strengthening trade promotion and ensuring stable market linkages in the future.

By Lam Phuong – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Minho