Detailing the Function of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam in Handling Administrative Violations in the Field of Industrial Property under Decision No. 4298/QD-BKHCN

On 31 October 2026, the Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology issued Decision No. 4298/QD-BKHCN (“Decision 4298”) prescribing the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (“IP Vietnam”). Decision 4298 takes effect from its date of signing and replaces Decision No. 156/QD-BKHCN dated 03 March 2025 on the same subject.

Decision 4298 details IP Vietnam’s new function of handling administrative violations in the field of industrial property in accordance with recently issued laws. Accordingly, IP Vietnam is responsible for specialized inspection and the handling of administrative violations in industrial property, replacing this function of the Inspectorate of the Ministry of Science and Technology (which has been abolished as a result of Vietnam’s administrative reorganization).

In addition, Decision 4298 states the termination of the IP Vietnam Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh City and the IP Vietnam Representative Office in Da Nang City as of 01/12/2026. Accordingly, from 01/12/2026, IP Vietnam will have only one office, in Hanoi.

The organizational structure of IP Vietnam has also changed under Decision 4298 to suit its new tasks and functions. Specifically, IP Vietnam comprises the following units:

Specialized management divisions:

• Industrial Design Division;
• National Trademark Division;
• International Trademark and Geographical Indication Division;
• Quality Management Division;
• Intellectual Property Rights Management and Exploitation Division;
• Patent Division;
• Enforcement and Appeal Settlement Division.

General management divisions:

• Information Technology Division;
• Planning and Finance Division;
• Legal, Policy and International Cooperation Division;
• Personnel Organization Division;
• Office.

Public service units:

Intellectual Asset Development Center.

Should you need further information, please feel free to contact us at the following e-mail address: hanoi@duongtran.vn.