Penalties light for intellectual property violations

Nearly 2,770 violations of the Intellectual Property Law drew fines totalling VND8 billion (US$400,000) last year.

The figures were revealed in a report presented at a conference conducted by the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP) and US Chamber of Commerce in Ha Noi yesterday.

The report said the majority of violations investigated by Market Watch Force related to industrial designs and trademarks. None related to innovation and four covered unhealthy competition.

"Authorities have increased their investigations and Market Watch Force and inspectors from the science and technology sector have found thounsands of cases," said Tran Viet Hung, Head of NOIP.

Last year, 2,994 foreign companies and individuals sent applications for trademarks for inventions to NOIP. Only 204 were from Vietnamese and local companies.

"Viet Nam has more than 300,000 companies but only about 100,000 have registered to protect their trademarks. This is a modest number," the report said.

The violations were complicated with many sophisticated methods investigated. Books, films and video discs feature prominently, the report said. Violations have risen because punishments are light with the majority being warned or having property confiscated.

When it comes to court, many cases are complex and staff aren’t specialised in intellectual property, Hung said.

Poor knowledge is one reason for the violation increases.

The provinces of Quang Ninh, Dong Nai, Hai Duong and Hai Phong City have successfully prosecuted cases.

Moves to protect intellectual property have been in place in Viet Nam since 1980.

The core of the legal system to protect intellectual property is the Intellectual Property Law and associated decrees and circulars. Trade and customs laws also protect companies and individuals.

Viet Nam’s laws are highly rated by other countries with international standards on intellectual property protection, said Hung.

To help protect intellectual property rights, staffing at the NOIP has doubled in recent years to 300.

vietnamnet, vietnamplus

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