As copyright infringement and illegal digital content distribution become increasingly sophisticated, Vietnamese authorities are stepping up efforts to strengthen intellectual property (IP) protection in the digital era.
In an interview with Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television, Mr. Phan Ho Giang discussed the growing challenges of IP enforcement and the province’s strategy to improve state management and support innovation.
The Bình Định yellow apricot blossom has been granted geographical indication protection, helping to affirm the unique brand of the local yellow apricot. Photo: T.Lợi
*Recently, the Ministry of Public Security prosecuted several copyright infringement cases involving music and digital content. How do you assess the current situation of intellectual property rights violations?
- Violations of intellectual property rights are becoming increasingly complex, particularly in the digital environment. In the past, infringements were often small-scale and isolated, but we are now witnessing organized and large-scale exploitation, copying, and distribution of digital content for illegal profit.
Recent enforcement actions demonstrate the State’s determination to protect intellectual property rights and create a healthy environment for creativity. This is a long-term issue closely linked to the development of the digital economy, innovation, and national competitiveness.
Today, intellectual property is not only the result of creativity but is also directly connected to brand value, reputation, and the development capacity of enterprises, organizations, and individuals.
* What challenges does this situation create for state management at the local level?
Mr. Phan Hồ Giang – Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology. Photo: NVCC
- While recent cases mainly involve copyright and related rights, they also reflect broader pressures on intellectual property management. We need to move beyond the mindset of simply “registering for protection” and focus instead on the management and effective exploitation of intellectual property assets.
Protecting intellectual property today is not only about establishing ownership rights. It also involves commercialization, protection, and turning intellectual property into real economic value.
In the context of digital transformation, effective management requires close coordination between science and technology agencies, police, market management authorities, the cultural sector, and other relevant bodies to detect and handle violations in cyberspace and e-commerce platforms promptly.
At the same time, raising awareness among businesses and the public about the strategic role of intellectual property remains essential because it is closely tied to business activities and innovation.
* How has industrial property management been implemented in the province recently?
- The province has implemented industrial property management in a coordinated manner while closely following directives from the Government and the Provincial People’s Committee.
The Department of Science and Technology has advised the Provincial People’s Committee on implementing key directives related to strengthening the fight against intellectual property violations and improving IP rights enforcement.
The province has also introduced various programs supporting the establishment and development of intellectual property assets linked to the local economy. Each year, nearly 1,000 organizations and individuals receive consultations on intellectual property matters, while training sessions are organized for approximately 700 to 800 participants.
To date, the province has established industrial property rights for four geographical indications, 74 collective and certification marks, and more than 3,000 trademarks for products and services.
In addition, the Department has proposed policies supporting science and technology development, including intellectual property assets. Beginning in 2026, Resolution No. 10/2026/NQ-HĐND will introduce stronger support mechanisms for technological innovation, intellectual property registration, and brand development.
* In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge in protecting intellectual property rights today?
- The biggest challenge remains limited awareness among some businesses and individuals regarding the importance of intellectual property. Many organizations still do not consider intellectual property a strategic asset and therefore fail to invest adequately in registration, protection, and management.
Meanwhile, violations are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially in digital environments and e-commerce. Assessment, evidence collection, and enforcement in cyberspace are particularly difficult because of the cross-border nature and rapid evolution of digital technology.
Businesses should develop intellectual property strategies early, including registering trademarks, industrial designs, inventions, and copyrights for their products, brands, and creative content.
At the same time, companies need to strictly manage the origin of technology, software, data, images, and content used in their operations to avoid infringing upon the rights of others. Businesses with export-oriented products should also register intellectual property protection in overseas markets to protect their brands and increase product value.
* What measures will the provincial science and technology sector prioritize in the coming period to improve IP management?
- The sector will continue strengthening communication efforts and raising awareness among businesses, cooperatives, and the public about intellectual property protection.
Authorities will also support the establishment, management, and development of intellectual property assets for key products, OCOP products, and local specialties.
In addition, the sector plans to expand the use of digital technologies for traceability and protection of intellectual property assets in online environments, improve the professional capacity of local IP personnel, and strengthen coordination with relevant agencies in inspection, supervision, and enforcement activities.
Support policies under Resolution No. 10/2026/NQ-HĐND will continue to be implemented to create favorable conditions for businesses to innovate, develop intellectual property assets, and improve competitiveness and international integration.
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