Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung, acting on behalf of the prime minister, signed an official dispatch on 5/5, emphasizing decisive measures to combat, prevent, and prosecute intellectual property (IP) rights violations.

The dispatch acknowledged recent improvements in combating and handling IP infringements, with many cases identified and processed. However, IP violations continue to be complex in certain sectors and localities, negatively impacting the investment and business environment, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and businesses.

To achieve a significant shift, the prime minister has directed ministries, agencies, and localities to launch a nationwide, concerted campaign from 7/5 to 30/5. This intensified period will focus resources on strictly prosecuting violations, adhering to a policy of "no forbidden zones, no exceptions."

The Ministry of Public Security is tasked with leading and coordinating with other ministries and agencies to verify, investigate, and prosecute cases involving serious infringements of copyright, related rights, trademarks, and geographical indications. Additionally, the police must dismantle websites and organizations operating large-scale online copyright-infringing websites, particularly those offering pirated movies, music, mobile video games, and television programs in Vietnamese and foreign languages.

The Ministry of National Defense is instructed to direct border guards and coast guard forces to cooperate closely with the Ministry of Public Security and local authorities to control and prevent violations originating from borders and sea areas.

The Supreme People's Procuracy and the Supreme People's Court are urged to enhance supervision, prosecution, and trial of IP cases, ensuring strict and lawful handling. The focus will be on several exemplary cases to increase deterrence.

The Xoi Lac TV system was dismantled by police in 3/2026. Photo: Public Security provided

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will inspect software copyright compliance at businesses, and review copyright of movies, music, television programs, and video games in the online environment. It will process or refer serious violations for further action.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with the People's Committees of provinces and cities, will direct market management forces to intensify inspections, controls, and handling of counterfeit goods infringing on trademarks and industrial property.

The Ministry of Finance will instruct customs forces to increase inspections of import and export goods, proactively suspending customs clearance when there is evidence of goods infringing on intellectual property.

Functional forces are required to increase the number of detected and processed cases, as well as the temporary suspension of customs clearance for infringing goods, by at least 20% compared to 5/2025.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate with other ministries and agencies to provide international partners with information on Vietnam's IP enforcement results.

The prime minister requires ministries, agencies, and localities to submit daily quick reports on the detection and handling of serious cases. These reports will be sent to the Ministry of Science and Technology for consolidation and weekly submission to government leaders, or as requested. A comprehensive summary report for the entire campaign, up to 30/5, is due on 31/5.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will lead in providing expert opinions and forensic conclusions to support the handling of industrial property infringement acts.

The prime minister has assigned the National Steering Committee against Smuggling, Commercial Fraud, and Counterfeit Goods to coordinate inter-agency efforts, inspect, urge, and resolve key and complex cases.

The head of government also urged provincial and city Party Secretaries to directly lead and direct efforts. He requested that Chairpersons of Provincial and City People's Committees promptly establish inter-agency task forces, led by the Chairperson, to mobilize forces and effectively address violations within their jurisdictions.

After 30/5, ministries, agencies, and localities will continue to review, evaluate, and maintain solutions regularly, with specific focus areas.

Vu Tuan