【Trademark Q&A:Vietnam】Q8. What should I do if I want to register a trademark in Vietnam which has already been registered or applied in Japan?

A: As in the case of Japan, Vietnam is a member of the Madrid Protocol, so it is possible to file an international application with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)’s International Bureau through the Japanese Patent Office. Unless the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP) gives notice of refusal within 12 months, receiving the international registration will have the same effect as applying directly in Vietnam.

In addition, international registration based on the Madrid Protocol is valid for 10 years from the date of international registration, and can be renewed every 10 years. The start date of legal protection will be from the date of international registration or the date of recording by territorial extension.