Legal 'shield' for businesses to compete with confidence
Despite growing attention, the protection of intellectual property rights abroad for products from Hai Phong businesses remains modest due to certain barriers.
According to specialized agencies, many enterprises in Hai Phong city have yet to fully access or effectively use international intellectual property protection tools such as the Madrid System (for trademarks) and the Patent Cooperation Treaty – PCT (for inventions).
Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Director of Sen Viet Co., Ltd. in Tu Ky commune, said his business often lack information on how these systems work, their benefits, and detailed procedures. Moreover, it has limited access to professional consulting units capable of assisting with international registration efficiently and cost-effectively. The enterprise therefore expects local authorities to provide more guidance in registering trademarks in line with legal frameworks and procedures in target markets.
In the context of deep international integration, developing intellectual assets, especially proactively registering for protection in foreign markets, is no longer optional but a compulsory requirement. This serves as a legal “shield” that helps businesses compete fairly, protect their achievements, and enhance brand value.
Nguyen Vu Long, Deputy Head of the Digital Infrastructure and Specialized Management Division under the Department of Science and Technology, stressed the need to improve the effectiveness of Hai Phong’s intellectual property platform to help businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized ones and cooperatives, to conveniently access accurate information and consulting services on international protection.
At the same time, he suggested that the Ministry of Science and Technology and the city People’s Committee consider policies to subsidize part of the registration costs for potential export products in key markets. Additionally, in-depth training courses tailored to specific markets and tools should be organized, with experts from the Intellectual Property Office and international law firms providing guidance to local businesses.
Alongside State and intermediary support, enterprises themselves need to take more initiative. Instead of viewing intellectual property protection costs as a “burden,” they should see them as a “shield” bringing long-term benefits. Therefore, businesses should incorporate these expenses into their export strategies, actively search for information, and establish a protection roadmap as soon as they plan to enter new markets.
Hai Phong has 124 agricultural products granted protection certificates by the Intellectual Property Office, including two geographical indications, three certification marks, and 119 collective marks. Some products, such as Hoang Giang mung bean cake, Thanh Ha lychee, Chu Dau ceramics, and My Dong casting, have received protection overseas.
NGUYEN NGUYEN