In line with the national government's resolution to streamline administrative structures, Vietnam has merged the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) into a single entity under the new MOST. Decree No. 55/2025/ND-CP (March 2nd, 2025) outlines the consolidated functions, duties, and organizational framework of the merged ministry, which retains 25 departments.

While the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam or VNIPO) remains the key agency overseeing IP rights establishment, transfers, disputes, and industrial representation, the merger is expected to accelerate digital transformation in IP administration, enhance e-filing systems and other online procedures, promising greater efficiency and accessibility for stakeholders. However, the restructuring may temporarily disrupt IP administrative enforcement actions.

The merger also signals a potential shift in digital IP enforcement. Previously, cross-ministerial coordination between MOST and MIC often complicated the handling of domain name disputes and online IP violations. A unified framework under the new MOST could streamline enforcement against digital infringements, reducing bureaucratic delays. Yet, the transition period may introduce short-term uncertainties as authorities adapt to consolidated protocols.

Beyond the ministry merger, Vietnam's IP enforcement landscape faces additional changes. As of March 1st, 2025, the General Department of Market Surveillance (GDMS) has been dissolved, with provincial-level Market Surveillance Bureaus transferred to local People's Committees under the Department of Industry and Trade. This decentralization aims to tailor enforcement to regional needs but risks creating inconsistencies in IP raid coordination and administrative actions during the transition. Rights holders should anticipate delays in enforcement actions until local agencies fully operationalize their new mandates.

While these reforms aim to centralize market violation handling and modernize IP systems, their success hinges on seamless implementation. Stakeholders are advised to monitor updates closely, particularly regarding digital tools and local enforcement capacities, and prepare for transitional disruptions. transitional disruptions. Proactive engagement with VNIPO and provincial authorities will be critical to navigating this evolving framework.

Source: Stephanie TRAN, FERRANTE IP Vietnam