Supporting businesses in protecting intellectual property.

Da Nang is implementing various activities to support businesses in raising awareness, registering for protection, and effectively exploiting intellectual property assets.

Businesses register for intellectual property protection at the Central Region Office of the Ministry of Science and Technology . Photo: VAN HOANG

These activities aim to protect the brand, increase product value, enhance competitiveness, and gradually achieve sustainable development.

Legal basis for protecting businesses

After three years of operating in the food service and restaurant industry, Mr. Le Quynh (Thanh Khe ward) applied to register his trademark at the Central Region Office of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Realizing that his brand had not yet been legally registered, Mr. Quynh proceeded with trademark registration. This is a necessary condition for businesses to protect their intellectual property rights and prevent other organizations or individuals from using or exploiting them illegally.

Registering a trademark is also a solution that helps brands develop steadily, build customer trust, and enhance market recognition. Furthermore, it will serve as a foundation for implementing franchising activities, expanding the business network, and effectively exploiting the economic value of the intellectual property that the business has built.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, head of the Intellectual Property Office's representative office in Da Nang, observed that most small and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives, and household businesses in Da Nang in particular and the region in general still have limited awareness of the role of intellectual property assets. Many businesses view trademark, industrial design, or invention registration as a costly procedure without realizing that these are intangible assets with long-term value and are important competitive tools in the digital economy. Some businesses focus on production and market expansion rather than prioritizing the development of protection strategies from the outset.

In many cases, when disputes arise and registration is initiated, another entity has already registered the trademark, domain name, or copied the brand identity. Through receiving applications and supporting businesses in the Central and Central Highlands regions, intellectual property infringements are currently occurring in a relatively diverse manner, especially in the digital environment and on e-commerce platforms.

Intellectual property protection certificates are the legal basis for protecting and enhancing the competitiveness of businesses. Photo: VAN HOANG

Multiple support solutions

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy stated that, in the context of the rapid development of digital transformation and e-commerce, the protection of intellectual property assets needs to be implemented synchronously by state management agencies, support organizations, and the business community. Local authorities need to strengthen propaganda and raise awareness about intellectual property; support businesses in registering trademarks, geographical indications, and industrial designs for distinctive products.

Over the past period, Da Nang has implemented many solutions to support businesses in establishing, managing, and developing intellectual property assets; promoting innovation; and building an innovation and startup ecosystem linked with research institutes, universities, and businesses. The city has issued many specific mechanisms and policies to support businesses, cooperatives, and production and business establishments in registering, exploiting, and protecting intellectual property assets.

In addition, there are policies to promote, create, and commercialize intellectual property, and support businesses in technological innovation. This creates a favorable environment that encourages creative activities and the formation of intellectual property assets that can be applied to practical production and daily life.

The Department of Science and Technology also regularly organizes conferences to disseminate knowledge on intellectual property; provides training on trademark, invention, and industrial design registration. At the same time, it guides businesses in accessing international patent databases; and connects intellectual property experts with local businesses…

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology Le Thi Thuc, immediately after receiving Prime Minister's Directive No. 38/CD-TTg on focusing on decisively implementing solutions to combat, prevent, and handle intellectual property infringement, Da Nang city quickly deployed many synchronized solutions. The Department of Science and Technology proactively advised the Da Nang City People's Committee on numerous documents directing timely, synchronized, and decisive implementation.

Authorities in the city have closely coordinated inter-agency efforts in monitoring, detecting, and handling intellectual property infringements. Simultaneously, they have strengthened efforts in disseminating legal information, raising awareness and promoting compliance with the law among organizations and individuals, especially businesses; and supporting businesses in establishing industrial property rights, protecting, and developing their brands.

“The city will continue to strengthen the dissemination of legal information, support organizations and businesses in establishing intellectual property rights, and proactively prevent and deter violations. At the same time, it will improve the effectiveness of state management, build a healthy business environment, promote civilized consumption, and say no to counterfeit goods and goods infringing intellectual property rights; contributing to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of businesses and consumers in the city,” Ms. Le Thi Thuc shared.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/ho-tro-doanh-nghiep-bao-ho-so-huu-tri-tue-3339023.html