Vietnam Signals a New Wave of Intellectual Property Reform: AI, Digital Assets and Technology Commercialisation in Focus

Executive Summary

Vietnam is significantly intensifying its focus on intellectual property (“IP“) protection and innovation-driven growth. In recent weeks, enforcement authorities reportedly detected and handled more than 1,400 IP infringement cases nationwide following the issuance of Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No. 38/CĐ-TTg (“Official Dispatch“) calling for stronger action against IP violations.

Against this backdrop, on 17 June 2026, the Politburo issued Conclusion No. 51-KL/TW (“Conclusion“) on strengthening IP work to support socio-economic development in the new era.

This is arguably the most consequential IP policy document issued in Vietnam since the significant amendments to the Intellectual Property Law undertaken to implement Vietnam’s commitments under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union (EU)-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), both of which required Vietnam to undertake substantial reforms to its IP framework beyond baseline Worl Trade Organization (WTO) requirements.

The Conclusion elevates IP from a traditional regulatory subject to a strategic national resource, and sets out a comprehensive policy agenda covering legislative modernisation, commercialisation of intellectual assets, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and deeper international integration.

Although the Conclusion does not itself create binding legal obligations, it is expected to serve as a key policy foundation for future legislative and regulatory reforms that may materially affect technology companies, digital platform operators, foreign investors, research institutions and IP rights holders operating in Vietnam.

Background 

The Conclusion was issued following the Politburo’s consideration of a proposal submitted by the Party Committee of the Ministry of Science and Technology on promoting IP as a driver of socio-economic development.

The issuance of the Conclusion follows a series of recent government initiatives aimed at strengthening IP protection and enforcement. Most notably, authorities reported the detection and handling of more than 1,400 IP infringement cases within weeks of the issuance of the Official Dispatch, highlighting the Government’s increasing focus on combating counterfeiting, piracy and other forms of IP infringement.

The Politburo expressly recognises IP as a critical component of national competitiveness, strategic autonomy, innovation capacity and international economic integration. More importantly, it calls for a shift from a traditional administrative management approach toward the development of a comprehensive IP ecosystem capable of supporting innovation, technology commercialisation and sustainable economic growth.

This policy direction reflects Vietnam’s broader ambition to transition toward an innovation-driven economy and to strengthen its position in global technology and value chains.

Key Policy Directions

IP Recognised as a Strategic National Resource 

The Conclusion expressly states that IP rights constitute an important national resource.

The creation, exploitation and protection of IP are viewed not merely as legal or administrative matters but as instruments for:

1. enhancing national competitiveness;
2. promoting sustainable economic growth;
3. strengthening technological self-reliance;
4. protecting national interests; and
5. improving Vietnam’s position in international trade and investment.

The Politburo further directs that IP should become an important component of national development strategies, science and technology policies, innovation strategies, strategic industry development plans and high-quality human resource development initiatives.

The Conclusion also emphasises the need to foster a culture of respect for innovation and IP rights across society, including stronger action against copyright infringement, software piracy, plagiarism and other forms of unauthorised use of IP.

Comprehensive Modernisation of Vietnam’s IP Framework 

One of the most significant aspects of the Conclusion is the instruction to urgently review, amend and supplement Vietnam’s exisiting IP legal framework.

The Politburo specifically highlights the need to address emerging issues arising from:

1. artificial intelligence (“AI“);
2. big data;
3. digital assets;
4. biotechnology;
5. semiconductor technologies;
6. digital platforms; and
7. cyberspace activities.

The Conclusion calls for Vietnam’s IP framework to align with advanced international standards, while remaining responsive to new economic models and technological developments.

This direction suggests that future reforms may address issues such as AI-generated content, ownership and exploitation of data, platform liability, protection of digital assets and other technology-related IP challenges that are increasingly relevant to businesses operating in the digital economy.

Strengthening IP Protection and Enforcement in the Digital Environment 

The Conclusion places considerable emphasis on improving IP protection and enforcement, particularly in the digital environment.

The Politburo calls for:

1. more effective enforcement mechanisms against online infringement;
2. stronger sanctions for IP violations;
3. enhanced protection measures in response to AI-related risks;
4. increased resources for IP protection and enforcement authorities; and
5. improved coordination among law enforcement agencies, customs authorities, market surveillance authorities, prosecutors and courts.

Particularly noteworthy is the proposal to study the establishment of specialised adjudication mechanisms for IP disputes.

If implemented, this initiative could contribute significantly to improving the consistency, predictability and technical expertise of IP dispute resolution in Vietnam.

Developing an IP Market 

The Conclusion goes beyond traditional protection measures and highlights the economic value of IP as a commercial asset.

The Politburo encourages:

1. the commercialisation of research outcomes;
2. stronger technology transfer activities;
3. the development of IP valuation mechanisms;
4. the use of IP assets in financing, investment and capital contribution transactions; and
5. the development of a modern technology market.

The Conclusion also supports increased investment in research and development (“R&D“) activities and calls for the issuance of a National Program on Intellectual Property Development.

These measures may create additional opportunities for technology companies, start-ups, universities, research institutions, and investors seeking to leverage intellectual assets as part of their growth strategies.

Balancing Innovation, National Security and International Integration 

Another notable feature of the Conclusion is its emphasis on balancing IP protection with broader national interests.

The Politburo calls for safeguarding:

1. technology security;
2. data security;
3. trade secrets; and
4. national interests in the context of international integration.*

At the same time, Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation and compliance with IP obligations under international treaties and trade agreements.

This reflects an increasingly important policy trend in which IP governance intersects with technology regulation, economic security and strategic industrial development.

What Could Change Next?

While the Conclusion does not itself amend existing legislation, it provides important indications regarding areas that may be prioritised in future legal and regulatory reforms.

In particular, businesses should closely monitor potential developments relating to:

1. AI-generated content and the ownership of AI-assisted creations;
2. stronger obligations for digital platforms in addressing online IP infringement;
3. enhanced protection of trade secrets, commercially valuable data and digital assets;
4. the valuation and use of IP as collateral, investment assets and capital contribution assets;
5. specialised judicial or quasi-judicial mechanisms for IP disputes; and
6. strengthened enforcement measures targeting online piracy, counterfeiting and other forms of digital infringement.

Taken together, these policy directions suggest that businesses should view the Conclusion not merely as a high-level policy statement, but as a roadmap for the next generation of IP reforms in Vietnam. Companies operating in technology-intensive sectors may therefore wish to begin reviewing their IP strategies, digital compliance frameworks and data governance practices in anticipation of future regulatory developments. 

Implications for Businesses 

The Conclusion does not immediately alter existing legal obligations. Nevertheless, it provides a clear indication of Vietnam’s future policy and legislative direction.

Businesses operating in innovation-intensive sectors should closely monitor forthcoming developments, particularly those involving:

1. AI and machine learning technologies;
2. software and digital platform services;
3. semiconductor manufacturing and design;
4. biotechnology and life sciences;
5. digital content and copyright-based industries;
6. R&D activities; and
7. data-driven business models.

Companies may also wish to review their IP portfolios, technology licensing arrangements, trade secret protection measures and digital compliance frameworks in anticipation of future reforms.

Our Comments

The Conclusion marks an important evolution in Vietnam’s approach to IP governance. Rather than focusing solely on rights protection, the Politburo positions IP as a strategic economic asset capable of driving innovation, competitiveness and long-term economic growth. The Conclusion reflects a broader policy shift toward innovation-led development and is broadly consistent with global regulatory trends linking IP policy with AI, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing and technological resilience.

For foreign investors and multinational enterprises, the Conclusion sends a positive signal that Vietnam intends to continue strengthening its IP ecosystem while adapting its legal framework to address emerging technological challenges.

The explicit references to AI, digital assets, data governance, semiconductor technologies and specialised IP adjudication suggest that further legislative and institutional reforms may be forthcoming over the next several years.

Businesses with significant IP portfolios or technology-driven operations in Vietnam should closely monitor these developments and assess their potential impact on existing business models and compliance strategies.

Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers will continue monitoring legislative and regulatory developments arising from the Conclusion and provide updates as implementing measures become available.

Further Information

Please feel free to reach out to our contact partners should you have queries on the above development.

For regional IP matters, please see Rajah & Tann Asia’s Intellectual Property Practice for more information.

Contribution Note

This Update was authored by Dr. Chau Huy Quang, Mr. Cao Dang Duy, and Dr. Le Hong Phuc (also a lecturer at Phenikaa University).