Managing IP is part of the Delinian Group, Delinian Limited, 8 Bouverie Street, London, EC4Y 8AX, Registered in England & Wales, Company number 00954730
Copyright © Delinian Limited and its affiliated companies 2023

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Using the Customs recordal system

Customs recordal is one of the legal measures that IP owners can employ for enforcement at the borders. The Customs Law provides that IP can be recorded with local Customs offices or the General Customs Department in Hanoi. Recordal is not compulsory, but is highly recommended for rights holders facing IP infringement in Vietnam. The relevant laws and regulations governing customs recordal are the Customs Law 2001, amended in 2005, Decree No 154/ND-CP dated December 15 2005, detailing the provisions of the Customs Law and the Regulations on Handling Requests for Border Control Measures Over Imported and Exported Goods promulgated by Decision no 916/QD-TCHQ dated March 31 2008.

SEE ALSO: IN-HOUSE: DATA SHARING FOR CRIMINAL AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT A CHALLENGE

The types of IP that can be recorded include copyright, patents and trade marks. An application must be filed with customs authorities to request the monitoring and detection of goods that infringe IP, accompanied by a detailed description of infringing goods and of features distinguishing genuine and infringing goods, certified copies of IP registration certificates, and other information, such as suspected sources of infringing goods, modes of export and import, packing methods, prices, as well as suspected exporters/importers or distributors of infringing goods.

Within thirty days of the receipt of all relevant documents, the authorities shall issue notification on acceptance of the application dossier. The recordal of IP is valid for one year from the date of filing of the application and is renewable many times within the IP protection term upon the request of the applicant.

There are generally two scenarios for customs enforcement proceedings if IP owners suspect that infringing goods are about to be exported or imported. IP owners may file a request to customs offices to temporarily suspend Customs procedures. In addition, the IP owner must provide security equal to 20% of the value of the suspected goods, or D20 million ($1,100) if the value is unknown, to cover potential losses of the consignee or consignor or costs incurred by Customs for warehousing or storage of the infringing goods.

In the other scenario, if the Customs authorities suspect that imported or exported goods infringe IP, they will temporarily suspend Customs procedures and immediately notify the IP owner. The IP owner must then, within three working days of receiving the notice from Customs authorities, confirm the goods in question are infringing and file a request to detain the goods. The IP holder must also provide security, as described above, to the authorities in this situation. Within ten working days after temporarily suspending Customs procedures, the Customs authorities will decide: whether or not the goods infringe IP; whether to detain or destroy the goods; and whether or not to fine the infringer. The applicant can also file a law suit to seek damages from the infringer.

le-thi-hong-tuyen.jpg

 

nguyen-thi-phi-nga.jpg

Le Thi Hong Tuyen and Nguyen Thi Phi Nga


Tilleke & Gibbins Consultants Limited

HAREC Building, 4th Floor

4A Lang Ha Street

Ba Dinh District

Hanoi, Vietnam

Tel: +84 4 3772 6688

Fax: +84 4 3772 5568

thuylien.v@tillekeandgibbins.com

www.tillekeandgibbins.com

more from across site and ros bottom lb

More from across our site

We provide a rundown of Managing IP’s news and analysis coverage from the week, and review what’s been happening elsewhere in IP
Sukanya Sarkar shares her thoughts on this year’s annual meeting in Singapore, where debates ranged from AI opportunities to improving law firm culture
The court’s ruling is a good reminder that US parties aren’t guaranteed attorney fees just because they win, say sources
With business confidence in a shaky state, Rachel Tong and Lisa Yong of Rouse discuss how in-house IP teams can manage their trademark portfolios through uncertain times
The Court of Appeal had stern words for Med-El’s representatives after they highlighted a deputy judge’s background as a solicitor
Funders and NPEs say asserting patent portfolios can minimise risk at the USPTO’s PTAB, where procedure remains a controversial topic
The US Supreme Court’s ruling wasn’t a surprise and reflects a trend that had already been bubbling away for a while, say tech and pharma counsel
Previous attempts at major transatlantic tie-ups have failed, so lawyers will keep their eyes firmly on Allen & Overy’s grand plans
INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo shares his plans if he were to win the EUIPO leadership race and says his application does not affect his INTA role
The French finance minister told António Campinos the timing of an EPO event in Lisbon could be seen as interference in the EUIPO leadership race