Vietnam Strengthens Intellectual Property Enforcement: Notable Results in August 2026

In August 2026, Vietnamese authorities continued to carry out measures to strengthen the detection, prevention, and handling of intellectual property (IP) infringements, in accordance with Directive No. 38/CD-TTg and Notice No. 287/TB-VPCP. A report from the Ministry of Science and Technology showed a significant increase in the number of cases for which decisions to initiate criminal proceedings were issued compared with July 2026. At the same time, the handling of infringements in the digital environment and the control of goods at the border continued to receive attention.

1. More than 1,100 cases showing signs of IP infringement were detected

According to the Report of the Ministry of Science and Technology on the situation and results of the implementation of assigned tasks concerning IP rights enforcement and the implementation of the IP Action Plan, during the period from July 30, 2026 to August 29, 2026, the competent authorities detected 1,134 cases showing signs of IP infringement.

The above figures were compiled from reports submitted by ministries, sectors, and local authorities to the Ministry of Science and Technology during the above-mentioned period.

2. Trademark infringements continued to account for a large number of cases

By type of IP right, in August 2026, the competent authorities handled 04 cases of copyright and related rights infringement through administrative measures; 1,110 cases of infringement of trademark and geographical indication rights; and 03 cases involving other types of IP rights.

Regarding criminal handling, there were 10 cases of copyright and related rights infringement under Article 225 of the Criminal Code and 66 cases of trademark and geographical indication infringement under Article 226 of the Criminal Code.

3. Strengthening the enforcement of IP infringements in the online environment

One notable development in August 2026 was the continued strengthening of measures against infringements in the digital environment. During the month, the competent authorities blocked access to a total of 1,358 infringing websites, including 1,310 websites streaming football matches, 21 story websites, and 27 websites selling goods that infringe industrial property rights. The Report also noted the need to strengthen the monitoring and separate reporting of cases involving counterfeit goods and goods infringing IP rights that are sold through e-commerce platforms, social media, and livestream sales activities.

4. The number of cases with decisions to initiate criminal proceedings increased compared with July 2026

Compared with July 2026, the number of cases showing signs of IP infringement detected in August decreased from 1,250 to 1,134 cases, a decrease of 116 cases. However, the number of cases subject to administrative handling increased from 1,116 to 1,117 cases; the number of organizations and individuals subject to handling decreased from 1,161 to 1,107; while the number of cases for which decisions to initiate criminal proceedings were issued increased from 50 to 76 cases, an increase of 26 cases.

The number of cases accepted by the Courts decreased from 21 to 08 cases, while the number of cases tried by the Courts decreased from 07 cases involving 09 defendants to 04 cases involving 07 defendants. According to the Report, these developments show that the competent authorities have placed greater focus on detecting, investigating, and taking criminal action against serious cases.

5. Some localities recorded notable enforcement results

In August 2026, several localities recorded a significant increase in the number of handled cases compared with the monthly average in 2025, including:

In contrast, some localities recorded fewer handled cases than their monthly average in 2025, including Hue City (01 case, 20%), Lai Chau (01 case, 50%), Tuyen Quang (07 cases, 77.78%), and Ninh Binh (07 cases, 87.5%).

6. Increased control of goods at the border

In August 2026, the customs authorities detected and seized 14 cases involving IP infringement, an increase of 2.8 times compared with the same period in 2025. They also handled 14 cases and proactively suspended customs procedures in 01 case. The Report also noted that the Ministry of Finance submitted to the National Assembly a draft amended Customs Law for approval on August 23, 2026. According to the Report, the relevant contents include proactive border control of goods in transit and the development of a list of high- and medium-risk goods, including goods with a high risk of being counterfeit or infringing IP rights.

7. Continued development of the legal framework for IP and enforcement

Alongside enforcement activities, Vietnam continued to improve its legal framework and coordination mechanisms concerning IP. The Ministry of Science and Technology advised the Government to issue Submission No. 466/TTr-CP dated July 30, 2026, which was sent to the Standing Committee of the National Assembly to propose adding the draft Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of the Law on Intellectual Property to the 2026 legislative program. The Report also identified several tasks currently being implemented, including finalizing regulations on administrative penalties in relevant areas, amending customs regulations, and developing the 2026–2030 Action Coordination Program to combat, prevent, and handle IP infringements.

8. Key considerations for businesses and rights holders

+ Proactively detect infringements: For trademarks and other IP rights, businesses should actively monitor the market and online sales channels to identify signs of infringement at an early stage.

+ Prepare and preserve evidence: When an act showing signs of infringement is detected, collecting and preserving information about the infringing party, goods, distribution channels, and relevant documents is important for the enforcement process.

+ Choose appropriate enforcement measures: Depending on the nature and severity of the infringement, rights holders may consider appropriate enforcement mechanisms under the law, including administrative, civil, and criminal measures, as well as border control measures.

+ Pay attention to IP protection in the digital environment: The handling of infringing websites and the increased monitoring of counterfeit and IP-infringing goods on e-commerce platforms, social media, and livestream sales show that this is an area that should be included in businesses’ IP enforcement strategies.

Summary

The enforcement results in August 2026 show that the protection and enforcement of IP rights in Vietnam continued to be carried out through various measures, including administrative and criminal handling, action against infringements in the digital environment, and control of goods at the border.

For businesses and rights holders, IP registration should be combined with a proactive enforcement strategy, including market monitoring, online monitoring, evidence preservation, and the selection of appropriate measures for each case.

WINTER IP LAW will continue to monitor developments in policies, laws, and IP rights enforcement in Vietnam to support businesses and rights holders in protecting and enforcing their IP rights in Vietnam.

Source: Report of the Ministry of Science and Technology on the situation and results of the implementation of assigned tasks concerning IP rights enforcement and the implementation of the IP Action Plan as of August 29, 2026; Appendices I.1–I.8 attached to the Report.