The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on 8/5 a plan to combat intellectual property infringement, targeting businesses and individuals involved in digital content, media, advertising, film and music distribution, software, information technology, e-commerce, internet services, and social networks. This initiative, part of a nationwide crackdown, will focus on detecting unlicensed software use and unauthorized content distribution.

Inspection teams will scrutinize the use of various copyrighted works, including sound and video recordings, and broadcast programs. They will verify compliance with licensing and royalty payment obligations, alongside assessing the use of licensed computer software within businesses.

The scope of inspection also covers the uploading, copying, and distribution of content on websites, fan pages, video channels, and applications. This extends to livestreaming, online broadcasting, and any unauthorized sharing or public communication of works, or the use of unlicensed content.

Authorities will also examine legal documents, such as business registration certificates, specialized operating licenses, transfer and usage agreements for works, rights exploitation permits, and royalty payment records. Upon detecting violations, inspection teams will issue a report, order content removal, and recommend administrative penalties or refer the case to the appropriate authorities.

App store. Photo: Viet Tuan

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has instructed inspection teams to conduct their duties transparently and in accordance with regulations, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations. This intensive campaign will conclude on 30/5.

The Copyright Office of Vietnam, operating under the Ministry, is tasked with advising on and organizing inspections to ensure compliance with copyright regulations for computer programs in businesses, as well as for films, music, television programs, and online video games.

This intensive inspection drive is part of a broader nationwide crackdown on intellectual property infringement, running from 7/5 to 30/5. This extensive campaign was initiated by a Prime Minister's directive issued on 5/5, which called upon all ministries, sectors, and local authorities to simultaneously conduct inspections and address violations. Prior to this, on 6/5, the Copyright Office of Vietnam had already urged individuals and businesses to refrain from using unlicensed computer programs and from infringing on copyrights or related rights pertaining to works, performances, sound recordings, video recordings, and broadcast programs. As part of this national effort, the Ministry of Public Security will specifically target and dismantle high-traffic online copyright-infringing websites, particularly those offering pirated films, music, video games, and television programs in both Vietnamese and foreign languages.

Vu Tuan