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In a bid to fortify international collaboration in tech-driven initiatives, Global Affairs Canada, through the Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development (EDM), recently organised a pivotal training course on the topic. This course aimed to elevate the intellectual property (IP) management capacities of a delegation from Vietnam comprising representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and the Ministry of Finance.
The programme, conducted from November 27 to December 2, stands as a testament to Canada’s unwavering commitment to assist Vietnamese officials and experts in solidifying IP provisions embedded within the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Le Huy Anh, Deputy Director General at Vietnam’s IP Office, highlighted the crux of the training, focusing on four pivotal facets: the examination and protection of non-traditional trademarks (specifically sound marks), effective implementation of IP rights, strategic planning, financial management of IP offices, and the promotion of innovation.
Anh underscored the novelty of sound-mark IP protection in Vietnam while acknowledging the applicability of the Canada IP Office (CIPO)’s financial management model within the country. Drawing parallels, he noted CIPO’s structure, akin to a business model boasting a substantial workforce of over 1,000 employees and generating revenue exceeding 200 million CAD (approximately 148 million USD) in 2022. Anh emphasised the scalability and efficiency inherent in this model, facilitating enhanced operational capacities and service quality simultaneously.
The collaborative synergy between Vietnam’s IP Office and CIPO culminates in their intended signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2024. Anh outlined Vietnam’s intent to advocate for an agreement on mutual recognition of geographical indications with Canada. This bilateral pact aims to alleviate operational constraints faced by businesses in both countries.
Hoang Ngoc Dinh, Vietnam’s representative for science and technology in Canada, highlighted the transformative potential of partnering with CIPO. Dinh underscored how this collaboration stands to elevate Vietnam’s IP protection and implementation capabilities, thereby empowering localities and businesses to adeptly navigate and comply with IP concerns in the future.
Integral to the realisation of the CPTPP’s IP provisions, Canada remains resolute in bolstering Vietnam’s capacities. This commitment translates into a concerted effort to collaborate with Vietnamese counterparts, constructing guidelines facilitating the seamless execution of commitments within the trade pact. Additionally, the collaboration extends to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure, further enhancing the framework of cooperation.
Canada’s support for Vietnam’s Copyright Office (COV) in administrative reform and IP law implementation in 2020 and 2021 underscored their dedication. The recent focus in 2023 has honed in on assisting Vietnamese entities with trademark and geographical indication registration procedures in key CPTPP markets, including Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
This progressive partnership underscores a shared commitment towards technological advancements, reinforcing international collaboration for sustainable development and fostering innovation in intellectual property management.
Vietnam’s journey toward a robust digital economy and achieving transformative goals has been propelled by the enactment of pivotal laws and legislation. With an eye toward bolstering the political and legal framework, Vietnam has taken substantial strides to align its regulations with the demands and opportunities presented by the digital era.
The legislative landscape has undergone significant evolution, strategically tailored to fortify the foundation for digital economy targets and foster comprehensive digital transformation objectives. Vietnam’s foresight in enacting laws has served as a cornerstone, enabling the nation to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape while ensuring a conducive environment for technological advancement and innovation.
OpenGov Asia reported on the approval of the amended Law on Telecommunications by the National Assembly, with an overwhelming 468 out of 472 yes votes, marking a pivotal juncture in Vietnam’s legislative journey. This comprehensive law aligns itself with international standards while staying attuned to the evolving trends within the Vietnamese telecommunications sphere.
