Conducting a search for a trademark in Vietnam is crucial for verifying that the trademark an individual or business intends to register is not “identical or confusingly similar” to an already registered trademark. This step helps prevent potential legal disputes and provides a clear path forward if the trademark is already in use.
The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IPVN) receives a significant number of trademark applications annually. A comprehensive trademark search helps applicants avoid the costly and time-consuming procedure of filing an application for a trademark registration in Vietnam that is likely to be rejected. If the search indicates that the desired trademark cannot be registered, applicants can save the money and time that would otherwise be spent waiting for the examination and potential rejection of their application. Instead, they can use this information to create a new, unique trademark that is more likely to be accepted.
If the applicant has enough knowledge of trademark law, the trademark applicant can conduct the trademark by themselves or ASL can help them to comprehensively conduct the trademark.
After a trademark is registered, a search helps individuals and businesses ensure that the information in the granted trademark certificate matches the data in the Intellectual Property Office’s system. If discrepancies are found, they can be corrected promptly, maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the trademark registration in Vietnam.
Contact ASL for Trademark in Vietnam:
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp/WeChat: (+65) 8749 6692
Sources for Conducting a Search for a Trademark in Vietnam
1. Online Database
Trademarks can be searched using the Intellectual Property Office’s online industrial property database. Here are the steps to follow:
- Visit the Website: Go to the National Office of Intellectual Property or the World Intellectual Property Organization through these links:
- Enter Trademark Information: Provide the necessary details for the trademark search in Vietnam. For an intended trademark, input the trademark name, product/service group, image classification, and name of the product/service.
2. Additional Information for Registered Trademarks
For registered trademarks, including additional details can expedite the search process:
- Intellectual Property representative’s name
- Application number
- Applicant’s name
- Date of application
- Certificate of protection number
3. WIPO’s Global Brand Database
Before filing an international registration through the Madrid system, it is advisable to search for identical or similar trademarks that exist or are pending in the target market. WIPO’s Global Brand Database allows users to perform a query across multiple data sources simultaneously. It includes features such as:
- Searching for identical or similar word trademarks using various lookup options (exact match, similar, phonetic, near similar)
- Using the image lookup function for searching similar trademarks visually
- Learning about registered trademarks under the Madrid system, origins under the Lisbon system, and protected symbols under Article 6ter of the Paris Convention
Contact ASL for Trademark in Vietnam:
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp/WeChat: (+65) 8749 6692
Benefits of a Pre-Application Search for Trademark in Vietnam
A pre-application search is a critical first step in the trademark procedure in Vietnam. It identifies potential conflicts with existing trademarks, helping applicants make informed decisions. If a trademark is found to be identical or similar to an existing one, the applicant can decide whether to proceed with registration based on factors such as:
- Whether the existing trademark is registered for identical or related goods/services
- Whether the existing trademark application has been denied or the registration has expired
By identifying these issues before submission, applicants can avoid the frustration and cost of a rejected application and choose a trademark that stands a better chance of successful registration.
Conducting a thorough trademark search in Vietnam is an essential step for anyone looking to register a trademark. It ensures the uniqueness of the trademark and saves time and money by avoiding unnecessary applications. Utilizing the tools and databases provided by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam and WIPO can significantly streamline this process, leading to a more efficient and successful trademark registration procedure.
*** After more than 10 years of operation, ASL has been ranked as the top-tier IP Firm for years by Legal500, AsiaLaw, and WTR. We have been well known for OneTouch of IP protection in more than 27 countries with Budget savings from 15-35%. The more clients file trademark, patent, and industrial designs through ASL, the more savings our clients receive.
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