Vietnam has introduced a new round of amendments to its intellectual property framework under Law No. 131/2025/QH15, which was issued on 10 December 2025 and took effect on 1 April 2026. The amended law reflects Vietnam’s continuing effort to modernise its intellectual property regime, particularly in response to the growth of artificial intelligence, digital platforms, online content distribution and the increasing commercial value of intangible assets.
For businesses operating in Vietnam, the amendments are relevant not only to traditional intellectual property registration and enforcement, but also to broader issues of asset management, digital compliance, data use, platform governance and commercialisation of intellectual property rights. This article outlines the key changes and what they mean in practice.
AI-generated works and training data
One of the more significant developments concerns IP objects created with AI systems. Rather than prescribing a complete ownership regime, the amended law authorises the Government to issue detailed regulations on how IP rights are established where AI is involved in the creative or technical process.
The law also introduces a controlled exception for using legally published texts and data for scientific research, testing and AI training, provided such use does not unreasonably affect the rights of authors and IP owners. Where the material is protected by copyright or related rights, further Government guidance will apply.
Technology companies, content businesses, research institutions and enterprises deploying AI tools should review how AI-assisted works are created, how training data is sourced and how ownership, licensing and liability are allocated in contracts with employees, developers and vendors.
Expanded protection for industrial designs
The amended law broadens the definition of industrial designs to include the external appearance of the whole or part of a product, in physical or non-physical form. This is relevant to businesses whose design assets exist in digital environments, including software interfaces, icons, screen layouts and other user experience elements, subject to applicable protection criteria.
The law also confirms that an industrial design can qualify for protection where it can be used to manufacture physical products or to reproduce non-physical products consistently in cyberspace. Businesses in technology, e-commerce, software, gaming, fintech and digital platforms may want to consider whether their visual design elements are sufficiently distinctive to warrant inclusion in an IP protection strategy, and whether any existing assets that were previously outside the scope of protection now qualify.
IP rights as commercial assets
The amended law introduces a clearer framework for managing and commercially exploiting IP rights. Under the new Article 8a, owners of IP rights are required to maintain separate internal records for rights that do not yet qualify as assets in accounting books. Businesses that have not yet documented their IP holdings in this way may want to review their internal registers and asset management policies as a starting point.
The law also recognises that IP rights can be used in civil, commercial and investment transactions, and encourages their use for capital contribution or as collateral, subject to applicable laws on investment, enterprises and credit.
This reflects a broader policy shift: IP is increasingly treated not only as a protective legal right but also as a commercial asset capable of supporting financing, investment and business expansion. For start-ups, technology companies and brand-heavy businesses, identifying, documenting and valuing IP rights may become more important in fundraising and transaction planning.
Digital transformation of IP administration
The amended law establishes a foundation for modernising Vietnam’s IP administration. The State is tasked with developing digital infrastructure, online public services and databases for IP protection and transaction values, including the use of big data and AI to improve efficiency and transparency.
The law also simplifies certain requirements for industrial property applications. Article 100 now takes a more principle-based approach, requiring documents relating to the object for which protection is sought rather than relying on a rigid statutory list. Applicants are expressly responsible for the accuracy of information submitted, and inaccurate declarations may result in revocation of the protection title.
Several substantive examination timelines have also been shortened: 12 months for patents and five months for trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications. Businesses with pending or planned filings may want to factor these revised timelines into their registration strategies.
New responsibilities for digital platforms
The amended law expands the definition of intermediary service providers to cover enterprises providing technical means or digital platforms for users to upload digital content or provide public online access to content. Platform operators are required to implement measures to protect IP rights in cyberspace in accordance with laws on IP, e-commerce, cybersecurity and other relevant regulations.
This may require platform operators, marketplace providers and content-sharing platforms to maintain clearer internal processes for receiving complaints, verifying infringement claims and removing or disabling access to infringing content. The law also adds enforcement measures allowing competent authorities or courts to require the removal, hiding or disabling access to infringing information, content, accounts, websites or applications.
Protection for encrypted signals and digital content
The law updates related-rights protection by adding references to encrypted cable signals carrying programmes, alongside encrypted satellite signals. This is relevant to broadcasters, pay-TV operators, streaming businesses and content distributors, as Vietnam’s enforcement framework continues to adapt to digital piracy and unauthorised retransmission.
Increased civil remedies
The amended law raises the ceiling for material damages where the actual level of harm cannot be determined through prescribed grounds. In such cases, a court may award compensation of up to VND 1 billion, depending on the level of damage. The framework for moral damages has also been updated by reference to the statutory base salary mechanism, subject to future Government guidance.
The change is intended to strengthen the deterrent effect of civil enforcement and give right holders a more meaningful remedy where infringement causes commercial harm but precise quantification is difficult.
How Vieter can help with IP compliance in Vietnam
The 2025 amendments represent a material update to Vietnam’s IP landscape. The changes address how AI interacts with IP creation and data use, expand design protection to digital environments, strengthen platform governance obligations and increase the value of IP as a commercial asset. Businesses with operations or IP interests in Vietnam should consider reviewing their portfolios, contracts and internal governance processes in light of these developments.
Vieter Vietnam supports businesses in assessing how the amended Intellectual Property Law 2025 affects their operations. Where formal filings or specialist prosecution work are required, we coordinate with licensed IP agents on your behalf. Contact us to discuss your IP needs and get a clear recommended next step.