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.
Gia Lai province has expanded low-emission rice cultivation to nearly 1,700 hectares, exceeding its 2026 target and strengthening its preparations to participate in domestic and international carbon credit markets through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Lê Tấn Hòa, a lecturer at the Faculty of Electronics and Informatics of Quy Nhon College of Technology and Engineering, has spent nearly 17 years developing practical training models and educational equipment designed to better prepare vocational students for real-world industrial environments.
Rooftop solar power is gaining momentum across wards of Quy Nhơn, East Quy Nhơn, North Quy Nhơn, South Quy Nhơn and West Quy Nhơn in Gia Lai, as more households and businesses invest in self-produced electricity to reduce energy costs and improve power reliability.
Gia Lai has introduced a new policy framework aimed at accelerating science, technology and innovation by addressing practical obstacles faced by businesses, particularly cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), under Resolution No. 10/2026/NQ-HĐND.
Authorities and Youth Union organizations in Gia Lai are stepping up efforts to support ethnic minority in starting businesses and developing sustainable livelihoods, helping young people access trainin and preferential loans to improve incomes and contribute to local economic growth.
Decree No. 180/2026/NĐ-CP on forest carbon sequestration and storage services is being viewed as a major milestone for the development of Vietnam’s forest carbon market.
The rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce is opening new opportunities for businesses in Gia Lai to bring local products directly to international consumers, helping them adopt modern export models and deepen integration into global value chains.
From 2024 to 2026, the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance has recognized Thuong Giang Agricultural Cooperative in Binh Khe Commune and Binh De Construction Stone Production Cooperative in North Hoai Nhon Ward as “Cooperative Stars.”
Gia Lai Province has issued a plan to implement memoranda of understanding with the northeastern Cambodian provinces of Preah Vihear, Stung Treng and Ratanakiri in 2026, outlining cooperation activities across multiple sectors as part of the 2026–2030 partnership framework.
Hundreds of offshore fishing vessels have returned to Tam Quan Fishing Port in early June with holds full of fish and squid, delivering a boost to local fishermen as seafood catches remain strong and prices show signs of improvement.
After years of delays caused by infrastructure bottlenecks and land clearance disputes, Hoa Hoi Industrial Park is showing significant progress, with phase 1 infrastructure largely completed, new investors entering the project, and preparations underway for phase 2 expansion.
Reporters from Gia Lai Newspaper and Radio & Television spoke with Mr. Nguyễn Đình Kha, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade, about preparations for the launch of E10 RON 95-III biofuel and public concerns surrounding fuel quality, safety, and supply.
Inside a sprawling 60,000-square-metre complex of laboratories and greenhouses, millions of acacia and eucalyptus seedlings grow under fluorescent lights in sterile glass jars.
Authorities in Gia Lai province are intensifying efforts to support businesses and accelerate investment projects, with 34 investor-led projects entering operation since the beginning of 2026, contributing to industrial growth, employment and local economic development.
Authorities and business representatives on May 20 launched construction of Đak Đoa Industrial Cluster No. 2 in Đak Đoa commune, Gia Lai province, a project valued at VND 435.8 billion ($16.7 million).
Authorities in Vietnam’s Gia Lai province aim to complete the implementation of traceability systems for durian products across the province by the end of 2026, according to Plan No. 194/KH-UBND on agricultural product traceability.
Gia Lai has become a major destination for large-scale livestock investment projects in recent years, particularly in the western part of the province.
Authorities in Gia Lai province are seeking investors for a scenic rest stop project on the southern side of Vinh Hoi Pass, with a minimum investment requirement of 25 billion VND (about USD 960,000), excluding land lease fees.
Authorities in Gia Lai are accelerating construction and land clearance efforts for major transport infrastructure projects, including the second runway at Phu Cat Airport and strategic road links connecting industrial zones and ports, provincial officials said following a site inspection on May 11.
Vietnam has introduced sweeping tax relief measures for individuals, household businesses and small enterprises under a new government decree aimed at stimulating private sector development and encouraging business expansion.
Construction on Vietnam’s strategic Quy Nhon-Pleiku Expressway is accelerating during the dry season, but provincial authorities have warned that delays in central government funding allocation for 2026 could threaten project progress and place mounting pressure on contractors.
In April 2026, the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee issued Document No. 3861/UBND-KGVX, authorising the use of the geographical name “Gia Lai” for registration of the certification trademark “Gia Lai durian”.
Vietnam’s crab fishing industry has been granted equivalency recognition by the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), expanding access for Vietnamese crab exports to the American market.
Gia Lai has approved commune-level master plans for 111 out of 135 communes and wards as of early May 2026, achieving more than 82% completion as the province accelerates efforts to reorganize development space and strengthen investment competitiveness following administrative restructuring.
