Vietnam has launched a nationwide enforcement campaign from 7 to 30 May 2026, targeting intellectual property (IP) infringement with strict, coordinated actions across all ministries and local authorities. The campaign, prompted by the United States Trade Representative (USTR)’s designation of Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country for IP deficiencies, aims to increase enforcement efficiency, especially against online piracy and counterfeiting. These efforts, supported by the 2025 Amended IP Law and intensified public awareness, are expected to significantly improve IP protection in Vietnam and offer rights holders a key opportunity to engage with enforcement authorities. This will potentially be the largest IP enforcement campaign ever launched, as it targets to exceed at least 20% the outcome achieved in May 2025.
On 5 May 2026, the Vietnamese Government issued Official Telegram No. 38/CĐ-TTg[1], signaling the launch of a major nationwide peak enforcement campaign to combat IP infringement. The campaign, running from 7 to 30 May 2026, requires all ministries, sectors, and local authorities to conduct coordinated, simultaneous operations to prevent and address IP infringements. The Prime Minister has directed a strict enforcement approach, requiring authorities to address IP infringement without exception.
This prompt and assertive campaign reflects the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen IP protection and enforcement, as well as to improve the business environment in Vietnam. Notably, the campaign follows the Office of the USTR’s designation of Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country (PFC) in its 2026 Special 301 Report[2]. This marks the first time in thirteen years that a country has been placed in this category, which is reserved for those with the most serious IP-related deficiencies. The USTR cited Vietnam’s inadequate enforcement against online piracy and widespread counterfeiting, lack of effective border enforcement, insufficient action against unlicensed software use, and lack of criminal measures against cable and satellite signal theft as key concerns.
The USTR acknowledged recent enforcement actions, including the shutdown of online copyright piracy platforms HiAnime.to, TVE-4U, VCTVEGroup, and Ebookvie, and others. However, it noted that previous criminal penalties, including suspended sentences and relatively low fines, have not provided sufficient deterrence.
In addition to traditional enforcement against trademark and geographical indication violations, the campaign places particular emphasis on the following areas:
High-priority sectors include pirated films, music, mobile games, and television programs in both Vietnamese and foreign languages, particularly English. Enforcement efforts aim to target high-traffic infringing websites and organizations operating such platforms, led by the Ministry of Public Security and other competent authorities.
All sectors are required to strengthen surveillance, investigation, and enforcement activities against IP infringements. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will serve as the lead technical authority, providing expert opinions and conclusions in handling industrial property infringement. The Official Telegram sets a target of at least a 20% increase in handled cases compared to May 2025 across multiple areas, including:
1. Enforcement of software licensing compliance within businesses, and enforcement against copyright infringement involving films, music, mobile games, and television programs, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST). Public awareness campaigns will also be intensified.
2. Enforcement against industrial property infringement and trademark counterfeiting, led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and local People’s Committees, along with other competent authorities.
3. Proactive inspection and seizure of goods suspected of trade mark counterfeiting or copyright piracy by customs authorities under the Ministry of Finance.
The campaign involves a high level of inter-agency cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with communicating Vietnam’s enforcement outcomes to international stakeholders.
Relevant ministries and authorities are required to submit regular progress reports, with a final report due by 31 May 2026.
Following the conclusion of the peak campaign period, enforcement efforts are expected to continue, with further measures to be implemented based on the campaign’s outcomes and practical developments.
The Government’s proactive enforcement measures, together with the 2025 Amended IP Law effective from 1 April 2026, and its implementing regulations, are expected to mark a positive turning point in IP enforcement in Vietnam, particularly in the area of copyright, which has long been a concern for rights holders.
The Official Telegram may be viewed as a prompt and decisive response to the 2026 Special 301 Report. Rights holders should regard this campaign as an important opportunity to coordinate more closely with Vietnamese enforcement authorities.
Businesses should ensure that their IP portfolios are fully registered and up to date in Vietnam, closely monitor the market for potential infringement, and maintain regular engagement with the authorities to address infringing activities, especially in the coming weeks from 7 to 30 May 2026.
[1]Official Telegram No. 38/CĐ-TTg dated 5 May 2026 available at https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?pageid=27160&docid=217999
[2] Special 301 Report can be found here https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2026/april/ustr-releases-2026-special-301-report-intellectual-property-protection-and-enforcement
