Solutions to build intellectual property culture

Nearly 100 delegates and experts from institutes, universities, state management agencies, associations, scientists and enterprises in the Southern region attended the workshop.

Hero of Labor Hoang Duc Thao, General Director of Vietnam Science and Technology Joint Stock Company (Busadco) shares about his company's culture of intellectual property and innovation.

Mr. Tran Giang Khue, Head of the Representative Office of the National Office of Intellectual Property in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the workshop aimed to respond to World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, honoring the role of intellectual property and innovation in economic and social life. Thereby, it will convey, provide information, knowledge and propose solutions to build a culture of intellectual property and innovation, improve the effectiveness of protection, management and development of intellectual property to serve the country's economic and social development.

Many challenges remain

Speaking at the workshop, Associate Professor Dr. Vu Tuan Hung, Director of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, assessed that in Vietnam, awareness of the importance of intellectual property has made significant progress.

Vietnam has issued many legal documents to regulate and promote IP culture, such as: IP Law, National Strategy on IP and a series of Decrees and Circulars of the Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology have created a legal corridor to encourage the development and protection of IP culture.

In 2024, the National Office of Intellectual Property received 151,489 IP applications of all types (an increase of 2.2% compared to 2023), including 88,355 applications for registration of industrial property rights (an increase of 4.5%) and 63,134 other types of applications and requests.

The National Office of Intellectual Property has processed 140,497 applications of all kinds (up 17.5% over the same period in 2023), including 88,711 applications for registration of industrial property rights (up 29.8%) and 51,786 other applications/requests. The Office has also granted 51,437 certificates of protection of industrial property of all kinds (up 46%).

However, there are still many challenges in building and developing an IP culture, as well as perfecting the system of related policies and regulations.

Intellectual property rights infringement, including copying, counterfeiting, copyright infringement, trademark infringement, patent infringement... is still common, most commonly in the fields of software, music, movies and consumer goods.

According to the National Steering Committee 389, the number of violations of counterfeit goods and intellectual property rights in 2023 was more than 4,000. These violations are often not handled promptly or are not strictly handled due to difficulties in detecting and proving violations.

In addition, activities to support businesses and organizations in protecting intellectual property rights have not yet received proper and effective attention.

Policies to support enterprises in registering and protecting intellectual property rights have been improved. However, the dissemination of information and provision of consulting services to support enterprises in protecting intellectual property rights have not been widely and effectively implemented. Small and medium-sized enterprises often face difficulties in protecting their rights due to lack of knowledge and resources.

Building an intellectual property culture

Despite many limitations, according to experts, in recent times Vietnam has made significant efforts to improve the legal environment, develop a support and consulting system on intellectual property, as well as join international agreements, creating a solid foundation to protect the rights of organizations and individuals owning intellectual property.

Sharing at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Ky, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ba Ria - Vung Tau said that in the context of strong international economic integration and digital transformation, IP and innovation are becoming key factors in socio-economic development.

IP is not only a tool to protect the rights of creators but also contributes to promoting research and application of science and technology in production and business practices. Especially for the Southern region, the dynamic economic center of the country, building a culture of IP and innovation not only helps to increase the value of intellectual property but also creates a driving force for sustainable development for businesses and the community.

In particular, Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo issued at the end of 2024 has created an institutional breakthrough, making IP and innovation a driving force contributing to promoting national competitiveness.

Resolution No. 57 affirms that science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation are decisive factors for socio-economic development. By 2030, the rate of enterprises with innovation activities will reach over 40% of the total number of enterprises, the number of patent applications and patent protection certificates will increase by an average of 16-18% per year, and the commercial exploitation rate will reach 8-10%. This is the guideline for localities, enterprises and science and technology organizations to take stronger actions.

“An effective IP and innovation system can only be achieved when the entire society is aware of respecting and protecting IP rights and innovation. A culture of IP and innovation not only helps encourage creativity and reduce copyright infringement, but also creates a transparent business environment, attracts investment, and enhances national competitiveness,” emphasized Mr. Nguyen Ky, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology of Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

In Ba Ria - Vung Tau, activities to support the establishment of intellectual property rights have been promoted, with the number of applications and protection certificates increasing annually. In 2024, the number of intellectual property applications was 409 (including 15 patent applications, 8 utility solutions, 26 industrial designs, 360 trademarks), an increase of 58.8% compared to the annual average of the period 2018-2022 (an average of 255 applications/year).

Article and photos: NGOC MINH

Source: https://baobariavungtau.com.vn/kinh-te/202504/giai-phap-xay-dung-van-hoa-so-huu-tri-tue-1038941/