Vietnam Trademark Search: Guide for Businesses and Entrepreneurs

If you are entering or conducting business in the Vietnamese market, one of the most important steps to protecting your brand is conducting a Vietnam trademark search. Whether you are a startup, an SME or a multinational, ensuring that your trademark can be registered and is not already protected by someone else in Vietnam is crucial to your brand identity in this country.

This article is a comprehensive guide on how to access and use the Vietnam trademark database, how to conduct a reliable Vietnam trademark database search, how to make the best use of the NOIP Vietnam trademark search system, and with the assistance of experienced IP professionals familiar with Vietnamese law. Offshore Company Corp partners with local IP agents to ensure compliance.

Why Conduct a Vietnam Trademark Search?

Imagine launching a brand only to discover that someone else already owns the trademark in Vietnam. This situation could lead to legal disputes, expensive rebranding, or complete market withdrawal. A Vietnam trademark search helps you avoid these scenarios by ensuring your brand name, logo, or slogan doesn’t conflict with existing trademarks.

By searching the Vietnam trademark database, you can:

• Check the availability of your desired trademark.
• Avoid infringing on existing trademarks.
• Save time and money during the trademark registration Vietnam process.
• Make informed decisions about branding and marketing.

Whether you're a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, it’s a crucial first step in building a protected, recognizable brand in Vietnam.

Reasons to conduct a Vietnam trademark search

Understanding the Vietnam Trademark Database

The official Vietnam trademark database is maintained by the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP). This database contains all trademark applications and registrations submitted in Vietnam.

Whether you're looking up your competitors, exploring new brand names, or verifying the status of your own trademark, this database is the best place to start. It includes:

• Registered trademarks and pending applications
• Trademark classifications under the Nice system
• Details such as application date, owner name, and status
• Word marks, logos, and combined marks

Having access to this comprehensive data makes it easier to conduct a detailed Vietnam trademark database search before submitting your application.

Vietnam Trademark Database - Official Data Source

How to Perform a NOIP Vietnam Trademark Search?

To search for trademarks in Vietnam, the official source is the NOIP Vietnam Trademark Search Portal. This website provides a free and official database of Vietnamese trademark applications and registrations. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit the NOIP website – The portal is available in both Vietnamese and English, making it accessible to local and international users.
2. Select the appropriate search criteria – You can search by:
• Trademark name or keyword
• Trademark owner
• Application number
• Classification of goods/services
3. Review the results – The system will show trademarks that match or are similar to your search. You can examine detailed information, including visual marks and registration history.

Using the NOIP Vietnam trademark search tool is free, but interpreting the results correctly can be challenging without legal expertise, especially when it comes to identifying "confusingly similar" trademarks.

NOIP Vietnam Trademark Search

Pro Tips for an Effective Vietnam Trademark Database Search

Searching the Vietnam trademark database might seem straightforward, but it requires more than typing a brand name into a search bar. Here are some expert tips to help:

• Search for variations: Consider misspellings, abbreviations, and phonetic similarities.
• Use wildcard characters: If unsure of the exact wording, use wildcards to broaden the search scope.
• Check related classes: Even if your trademark falls under one class, similar marks in related classes can still pose conflicts.
• Consult professionals: Trademark attorneys can help interpret search results and assess risks before filing.

After the Search: Trademark Registration Vietnam Process

Once your Vietnam trademark search confirms that your mark is available, the next step is to officially register it with NOIP. Here's a simplified breakdown of the trademark registration Vietnam process:

Step 1: Application Preparation

Prepare the required documents:

• Trademark representation (word, logo, or combination)
• Applicant information (individual or company)
• List of goods/services under relevant Nice Classes
• Power of attorney (if applying through an agent)

Step 2: Filing the Application

You can submit your trademark application:

• In person at NOIP in Hanoi or branch offices
• Through a local IP representative
• Online via NOIP’s e-filing system (requires a digital signature)

Step 3: Formality Examination (1–2 months)

NOIP checks whether your application meets basic format and procedural requirements. Typically takes 1–2 months, though it may vary depending on the case load at NOIP.

Step 4: Publication in the IP Gazette (2 months)

Your trademark is published to allow third parties to oppose it.

Step 5: Substantive Examination (9–12 months)

NOIP examines whether your trademark is distinctive and non-conflicting. This step may take 9–12 months or longer, depending on the complexity and response to office actions.

Step 6: Granting of Registration

If approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Trademark Registration, valid for 10 years from the filing date and renewable indefinitely.

Guide to Trademark Registration Vietnam Process

Benefits of Trademark Registration in Vietnam

Securing a trademark in Vietnam offers strong legal and commercial advantages:

• Exclusive rights to use your brand for registered goods/services.
• Legal protection against infringement, misuse, or counterfeit.
• Business credibility and stronger brand value.
• Asset ownership, which you can license, franchise, or sell.

Trademark protection is territorial, so registering in Vietnam is essential if you operate or plan to operate within the country.

Offshore Company Corp: Your Partner in IP Protection

With a strong track record of helping entrepreneurs and companies in over 25 jurisdictions, Offshore Company Corp is your one-stop solution for trademark registration, IP protection, and offshore company setup.

Why clients choose us:

• In-depth knowledge of Vietnamese IP law
• Multilingual legal experts and consultants
• End-to-end trademark services—from search to registration
• Competitive and transparent pricing
• Global reputation and proven reliability

We don’t just help you register your trademark and we help you protect your brand's future.

Common Challenges in Vietnam Trademark Registration

Even after a proper Vietnam trademark database search, you may still encounter hurdles:

• Similarity conflicts: A mark may still be rejected if it’s considered confusingly similar to an earlier mark.
• Descriptive trademarks: Names that simply describe goods/services may lack distinctiveness.
• Translation issues: Trademarks that sound fine in English might have problematic meanings in Vietnamese.

These are just a few reasons why consulting an IP expert like Offshore Company Corp, who is familiar with the trademark search regulations of NOIP Vietnam.

Final Thoughts: Start with a Search, Succeed with Protection

Trademark protection is essential when building your brand in Vietnam. A proper Vietnam trademark search helps you avoid costly mistakes, and Offshore Company Corp is here to simplify the process.

From navigating the Vietnam trademark database to interpreting search results and handling trademark registration in Vietnam, our experts guide you with accuracy and confidence.

Let Offshore Company Corp help secure your brand in Vietnam, starting with a professional trademark search today.