How does the Vietnam Labor Code regulate probation?

 How does the Vietnam Labor Code regulate probation?

Probation is an understanding between a representative and a business on a trial work in a specific timeframe as per the arrangements of regulation. Both the employer and the employee should go through a trial period before signing a labor contract to see if they can work together in the long run. The Labor Code and other relevant guidelines should be followed during the probation. The Labor Code 2019 comes into force as of January first, 2020, various new guidelines as needs be are given in association with the probation, which each organization ought to  review the matter with its labour dispute lawyers in Vietnam for compliance.

This contract does not apply to employment for less than one month, regardless of the circumstances under which it may be entered into. The probationary clause is not required to be included in the labor contract by the 2012 Labor Code. As a result, an employer and employee may negotiate the probation, as well as their respective rights and responsibilities during the probation period. If the parties are in agreement about the probation, they can sign a probation contract. On the off chance that the probation work meets the necessities, the business will finish up a work contract with the representative. It is clear from these provisions that a separate probationary contract between the employer and employee is required.

When the probation period is over and the employee satisfies the employer's recruitment requirements, the labor contract should be signed. As per the most recent arrangements in the Labor Code 2019, the business and the representative might settle on the probation expressed in the work contract or a different trial contract. If the labor contract includes a probationary period, the employer is obligated to continue carrying out the current agreement once the employee has met all of the requirements. In that case, a new labor contract must be signed.

Based on the nature and complexity of the job, the Labor Code decided how long the probation period had to be. For positions requiring a college degree or higher, the probationary period was previously limited to no more than 60 days. Currently, executives can extend their probationary period by up to 180 days. The owner of a sole proprietorship, the partner of a partnership company, the chairperson or member of the Board of Members, the President of a company, the President or member of the Board of Directors, the Director/General Director, or the holder of another managerial position prescribed in the company's charter (applicable to the enterprise without state capital) are examples of executives who play a significant part in the business and operation of the businesses.

The Labor Code 2019 made another change to the cancellation of probationary contracts, removing the restriction on the right to cancel. Consequently, during the probationary period, either party may terminate the labor contract or probationary contract without penalty or prior notice. On the other hand, if the probationary job does not meet the requirements that the employer and employee have agreed upon under the Labor Code 2012, the probation may be terminated.

The primary purpose of probationary periods is to determine whether an employee and employer are compatible at the outset of an employment relationship. To avoid a potential dispute in Vietnam, businesses as employers must have a clear understanding of the principles of entering into a labor contract and a probationary contract.

ANT Lawyers is an international law firm in Vietnam with English speaking lawyers, located in the business centers of Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City with international standards, recognized by IFLR1000. We are Vietnam exclusive member of Prae Legal, an international law firm network, providing full ranges of legal services.

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How Trademark Licensing in Vietnam Works?

How Trademark Licensing in Vietnam Works?

Vietnam's intellectual property law governs the licensing of industrial property subjects in general and trademarks in particular. As a result, when a trademark is licensed in Vietnam, the owner (the licensor) grants permission to another party (the licensee) to use the trademark in Vietnam under terms and conditions that have been mutually agreed upon.

The nature and quality of the products or services associated with the trademark are still under the control of the licensor.

Quality control is the most important aspect of trademark licensing in Vietnam because buyers expect consistent quality from trademarked goods or services regardless of where they are purchased or used.

To avoid disputes in trademark licensing in Vietnam, permission must be granted in writing.

What are the advantages of trademark licensing in Vietnam?

Trademark licensing in Vietnam could bring great advantages as following:

• Additional revenue
• Territorial expansion
• Benefits from others’ manufacturing, sales, distribution, marketing skills
• New channels of distribution
• Discontinued marks
•  Strategic partnerships
• Convert a trademark infringer into a partner
• Increase consumer recognition and advertising 

Forms of trademark licenses in Vietnam

Trademark licensing in Vietnam may take the following forms:

• Franchising
• Merchandising
• Brand extension
• Co-branding
• Components or ingredient branding
• Standards

What kinds of contracts exist for trademark licensing in Vietnam?

Licensing of trademark includes the following types: Exclusive contract, Non-exclusive contract, Sub-license contract.

-First, an exclusive contract is one in which the licensee has exclusive use of the licensed trademark within the scope and duration of the licensing agreement, while the licensor is prohibited from using the licensed trademark without the licensee's permission.

-Second, a non-exclusive contract is one in which the licensor retains the right to use the trademark and enter into a non-exclusive trademark license agreement with others within the scope and duration of the licensing agreement.

-Thirdly, trademark sub-license contract mean an agreement under which the licensor is a licensee of the option to utilize such brand name as per another agreement.

What is included in the Vietnam trademark licensing contract?

In a the agreements, having the accompanying contents is required: complete names and addresses of the licensor and of the licensee; reasons for licenses; type of contract; scope of licensing, including territorial and use right restrictions; contract duration price of a license; rights and responsibilities of the licensee and licensor. To deal with potential disputes that may arise between parties during the execution of trademark licensing in Vietnam, it is essential to establish regulations regarding the dispute resolution process for trademark licensing.

The parties must also consider the legality of this contract in addition to the aforementioned provisions. In contrast to assignment contracts for trademarks in Vietnam, where they must be registered at the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam before they can take effect, licensing contracts for trademarks do not require such registration. When the licensor loses its trademark rights, the licensing agreement will automatically end.

Our Intellectual Property attorney can assist the client with any additional inquiries or requests for legal counsel regarding trademark licensing in Vietnam or a dispute in trademark licensing contract. 

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Trademark Infringement lawyers in Vietnam assist trademark infringement

 Trademark Infringement lawyers in Vietnam assist trademark infringement

Self protection of trademark infringement in Vietnam 

Owners of trademarks may need a lot of time and effort to protect themselves from trademark infringement in Vietnam. It is recommended to talk with brand name encroachment attorneys in Vietnam for help in light of the fact that the comprehension of specialized matters, lawful grounds and business practice in Vietnam.

The trademark owner in Vietnam has the self-protection right to: (i) apply technological measures to prevent acts of trademark infringement in Vietnam; (ii) request the organization or individual who commits an act of trademark infringement to terminate such act, make a public apology or rectification, and compensate damages when detecting the act of trademark infringement; iii) Make a request to the appropriate authority to deal with trademark infringement in accordance with the laws.

To begin, the infringing party can inform the infringing party that the infringed trademark is protected and that the infringing party is not to infringe in order to implement technological measures to prevent acts of trademark infringement. This information can include information about the original of emergence, the trademark certificate, the protection and duration scope, as well as other information about the right of the trademark owner. In addition, the owner of the trademark that is being infringed upon may employ the technical means or measures to mark, identify, distinguish, and safeguard the trademark that is being infringed upon.

Besides, the proprietor could likewise demand association or person who commits a demonstration of brand name encroachment to end such demonstration, make a general acknowledgment or correction, and remunerate harms. In particular, trademark owners can send information about the origin of the infringement, a trademark certificate, the protection scope, the duration of the protection, and a reasonable time frame for the infringer to stop the act of infringement to the infringer, or they can authorize an IP attorney in Vietnam to send this information to the infringer.

Additionally, the content of the written request will vary based on the situation and degree of infringement. This could be referred to as a prior-should-use measure taken prior to implementing technological measures. Both parties will save time and money if the violating party cooperates and stops the infringement.

Thirdly, proprietor of brand name could demand the capable position to manage demonstrations of brand name encroachment as per the arrangements of regulations.

When the trademark owner sends the above-mentioned request to the infringing party and the infringing party refuses to cooperate and continues the infringement, the infringing party may send the following information to the competent authority: date that the request was made; the name and address of the violator or their representative; name of getting demand authority; the name and address of the party infringing; in the event of a request for a temporary cessation of customs clearance for exports or imports suspected of infringement, the name and address of the suspected violator; brief data of encroached brand name and encroachment; suggested ways to deal with infringement; documents and evidence that are included with the request

The petitioner may request administrative, civil, criminal, or customs measures from the appropriate authorities based on the seriousness of the violation. It should be noted that additional information on the mode of import or export, country of exportation, mode of packaging, the lawful importer or exporter, and features of lawfully imported or exported goods for distinction from infringing goods must be provided when a request for temporary cessation of customs clearance for imports or exports suspected of infringement is sent to the custom authority.

How trademark infringement lawyers in Vietnam could help with trademark infringement in Vietnam?

In general, it is crucial to safeguard intellectual property rights. In addition, working with an IP attorney in Vietnam will make the registration, management, and protection of intellectual property from infringement as well as the handling of disputes against IP violators in Vietnam through administrative measures, civil litigation, or even criminal prosecution, all more efficient.

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Working Session on the Trade Remedies Measures for Table and Chair products

Working Session on the Trade Remedies Measures for Table and Chair products

On September 30, 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision No. 1991/QD-BCT on the application of anti-dumping measures to some table and chair products originally from Malaysia and Republic of China (case number: AD16).

 

To learn the basis for considering the issue of the scope of goods subject to anti-dumping measures, the Trade Remedies Authority organizes a working session in person with related parties, at 14:00, on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 between Trade Remedies Authority of Viet Nam and related parties.

This will be the opportunities for the related parties to exchange and present their opinions on the scope of goods subject to anti-dumping measures.

Related parties who have opinions and concerns about the scope of goods subject to anti-dumping measures can register to participate in the working session.

In case the related parties register to speak at the meeting session, it is requested that the related party send their written opinions and related documents in advance.

If Client needs any more information or request for legal advice or potential dispute regarding trade remedies measures including, anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard measures or international trade dispute matters, our competition, anti-dumping, and countervailing duty lawyers of International trade and tax practice at ANT Lawyers - Anti-dumping law firm in Vietnam always follow up anti-dumping cases and its development to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/anti-dumping-measures-to-some-table-and-chair-products.html 

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When and How to Register Trademark to Protect IP Rights in Vietnam?

Considering trademark registration activities, the subject holder must comply with certain conditions to fulfill its trademark registration rights in Vietnam.

According to Article 13.1 Law on Intellectual Property amended in 2009:

-Organizations and individuals may register marks to be used for goods they produce or services they provide.

Trademark in Vietnam

-Organizations and individuals that conduct lawful commercial activities may register marks for products they are marketing but produced by others, provided that the producers neither use such marks for their products nor object to such registration.

-Lawfully established collective organizations may register collective marks to be used by their members under regulations on use of collective marks. For signs indicating geographical origins of goods or services, organizations that may register them are collective organizations of organizations or individuals engaged in production or trading in relevant localities. For other geographical names or marks indicating geographical origins of local specialties of Vietnam, the registration must be permitted by competent state agencies.

-Organizations with the function of controlling and certifying the quality, properties, origin or other relevant criteria of goods or services may register certification marks, provided that they are not engaged in the production or trading of these goods or services. For other geographical names or marks indicating geographical origins of local specialties of Vietnam, the registration thereof must be permitted by a competent state agency.

-Two or more organizations or individuals may jointly register a mark in order to become its co-owners on the following conditions: i) This mark is used in the names of all co-owners or used for goods or services which are produced or traded with the participation of all co-owners; ii) The use of this mark causes no confusion to consumers as to the origin of goods or services.

If the subject falls into one of the cases mentioned above, they will have the right to register the mark at the National Office of Intellectual Property. After the subject condition has been met, consideration should be given to the condition that a mark can be protected as a trademark. In particular (i) It is a visible mark in the form of letters, words, drawings or images including holograms, or a combination thereof, represented in one or more colors; (ii) It is capable of distinctive goods or services of the mark owner from those of other subjects.

However, there are some exceptions even when the mark satisfies those two conditions. For example, marks identical with or confusingly similar to national flags or national emblems; or marks identical with or confusingly similar to emblems, flags, armorial bearings, abbreviated names or full names of Vietnamese State bodies, political organizations, socio-political organizations, socio- politico-professional organizations, social organizations or socio-professional organizations or with international organizations, unless permitted by such bodies or organizations shall not be protected as a trademark.

In order to register for protection of a trademark, the registrant should pay attention to the subject matter and the conditions for the trademark to be protected in order to avoid being refused at the registration authority because of the failure to meet the conditions for the subject or the conditions for protection.

IP Attorney in Vietnam at ANT Lawyers, a Law firm in Vietnam shall be providing the advice to client to help the clients evaluate and file registration for trademark, patent, copyright and other IP related services.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/when-and-how-to-register-trademark-to-protect-ip-rights.html

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How Licensing of Trademark in Vietnam Works?

Licensing of industrial property subject in general or of trademark in specific is regulated in Intellectual Property law. Accordingly, in trademark licensing, the owner (licensor) grants permission to another (licensee) to use that trademark on mutually agreed terms and conditions. The must be established in written form to avoid dispute in trademark licensing in Vietnam.

Trademark licensing in Vietnam

Accordingly, licensing of trademark includes the following types: exclusive contract, non-exclusive contract; sub-license contract.

Firstly, exclusive contract means a contract under which, within the licensing scope and term, the licensee shall have the exclusive right to use the licensed trademark while the licensor may neither enter into any trademark license contract with any third party nor, without permission from the licensee, use such trademark.

Secondly, non-exclusive contract means a contract under which, within the licensing scope and term, the licensor shall still have the right to use the trademark and to enter into a non-exclusive trademark license contract with others.

Thirdly, trademark sub-license contract means a contract under which the licensor is a licensee of the right to use such trademark pursuant to another contract.

In any type of the contracts, it is required to have the following contents: full names and addresses of the licensor and of the licensee; grounds for licensing; contract type; licensing scope including limitations on use right and territorial limitations; contract term; licensing price; rights and obligations of the licensor and of the licensee.

Besides the above contents, the parties also need to take note on the validity of this contract. Different from assignment contract of trademark when it is required to register at National office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam to take effect, the licensing contract of trademark does not required this kind of registration for taking effect. Licensing contract shall automatically be terminated upon the termination of the licensor’s trademark right.

If Client needs any more information or request for legal advice regarding licensing of trademark or dispute in trademark licensing contract, our Trademark attorneys in Vietnam at ANT Lawyers will be of help.

ANT Lawyers – Law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to trademarks to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-licensing-of-trademark-works.html 

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Copyright Law Firm in Vietnam

Copyright is violated on a regular basis in the music, publishing and software industries. We are a copyright consultant in Vietnam with lawyers with qualification and experience to assist client from application, protection, and dispute handling process.

Copyright in Vietnam

ANT Lawyers IP practice offers client in protecting and enforcing copyrights and similar intellectual property rights as following:

-Advise legal matters of copyright and related rights in Vietnam and abroad;

-Conduct searches and provide information on copyright and related rights, advice measures to protect copyright and related rights in Vietnam and abroad;

-Complete the applications and file to register copyright and related rights;

-Enforce the copyright and related rights, including investigation, supervision, negotiation, mediation, lawsuit initiation to handle infringement in Vietnam and oversea.

With highly professional staff and great experience in Copyright and Related right aspect in Vietnam and other countries in the world, ANT Lawyers - Copyright Law Firm in Vietnam would like to support and represent the clients in protecting copyright and related right.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/area-of-expertise/intellectual-property/copyright-and-related-rights 

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How to Protect Copyright in Vietnam?

 How to Protect Copyright in Vietnam?

Copyright refers to an individual or organization's rights to a work that they created or own, as defined by Vietnam's Intellectual Property Law. Additionally, works of literature, art, and science shall constitute the subject matter of copyright; Performances, audio and visual fixation, broadcasts, and satellite signals carrying coded programs are all eligible subjects for copyright-related rights.

However, if there is no prior prepared evidence, it is difficult to demonstrate the owner's copyright. In the event of a dispute or violation, the most crucial piece of evidence is a copyright registration. When the owner can demonstrate that the Work is covered by copyright law, the registration of the copyright will prevent infringement.

ANT Lawyers – A registering copyright services in Vietnam would like to assist you in registering and safeguarding your copyright and related rights in Vietnam in the following ways with their highly skilled staff and extensive knowledge of the intellectual property landscape in Vietnam:

Our services in copyright registration

-Provision of professional opinions and advice in relation to registration of copyright and related copyright;

-Advising, preparation, drafting, filing and prosecution of registration of copyright and related copyright;

-Provision of professional opinions and advice in relation to license and assignment of copyright and related copyright;

-Appeal and cancellation;

-Proceedings before the judicial authorities.

How to register a copyright or related rights in Vietnam?

Condition of copyright registration

If a work meets the following requirements, its owner's copyright will be registered:

-The ideas of the Work shall be presented particularly in a visible material

-The Work shall be original (Be made directly by the author without copying from any other works or people).

Required information and document

-Original Power of Attorney (POA) from the Applicant;

-Information of the author such as: Full name, Identify Card Number, Current address, permanent address; …

-Information of the Works such as: Name, the date of publication (if any), the place of Publication (if any); …

–Business registration certificate or establishment certificate (if applicant is association or organization);

-Written promise of being ownership of the work of the applicant;

-Some other specialized document with each specified aspect.

Note: The POA must be signed by the applicant or a duly authorized representative on behalf of the Applicant and no further notarization or legalization is required.

 Duration of copyright protection

-The following rights are protected forever:

-Right to give titles to their works.

-Right to attach their real names or pseudonyms to their works; to have their real names or pseudonyms acknowledged when their works are published or used.

-Right to protect the integrity of their works; and to forbid other persons to modify, edit or distort their works in whatever form, causing harm to the honor and reputation of the author.

The following rights are protected within the stipulated duration in law

-Right to make derivative works;

-Right to display their works to the public;

-Right to reproduce their works;

-Right to distribute or import the original or copies of their works;

-Right to communicate their works to the public by wireless or landline means, electronic information networks or other technical means;

-Right to lease the original or copies of cinematographic works and computer programs;

-Right to reproduce their works.

The duration of each type of work protected by the aforementioned rights will vary. The term of protection for cinematographic, photographic, stage, applied, and anonymous works, in particular, shall be fifty (50) years from the date of first publication. Other works are protected throughout the author's lifetime and for fifty (50) years after their death.

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What cannot be registered as trademark?

A trademark has to have one basic feature that is it should be unique and create a brand identity for a product. So if a trademark is such that does not create any brand for a product can't be trademarked. A trademark should not be a conflicting trademarks with others. It means the trademarks should not create confusion between two trademarks. 

In general:

Trademark protection in Vietnam 

-Generic words can't be trademarked. For example you can't trademark the words like TV, Fridge, scooter, car etc.

-The names of the cities and countries can not be trademarked.

-The names of Gods and Godesses and the names of religious books can not be trademarked. For example you can't trademark *Lord Ram* or *Ramayana*

-Surnames can not be trademarked under normal circumstances. For Example you can't trademark *Sharma*

-Names of Constitutional Posts or Government posts can't be trademarked. For examples you can't trademark *Prime Minister of Vietnam

-Words which denote illegal or Immoral acts can't be trademarked. For example you can't trademark *Let's cheat* or *Let's grope*

-Words which are prohibited under names and emblems act can't be trademarked. For example, you can't trademark the official sign of Government of Vietnam.

Hope this helps!

Source: Quora

ANT Lawyers - IP services in Vietnam located in the business centers of Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh city. We provide convenient access to our clients. Please contact our lawyers in Vietnam for Trademark registration services in Vietnam via email ant@antlawyers.vn or call our office at +84 28 730 86 529. 

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What is a Trademark?

A Trademark generally refers to a “brand” or “logo”.

Trademark registration can also be obtained for a business name, distinctive catch phrases, taglines or captions.

Trademark registration services in Vietnam

Properly used and promoted, a Trademark may become the most valuable asset of a business. Trademarks such as Coca Cola, HP, Canon, Nike and Adidas serve as an indication of origin of the goods as well as an indication of quality.

It is also essential to obtain trademark registration for the business name/trade name under the Trademarks Act. Registration of a company or business name under the Companies Act does not in itself give protection against others who might commence using identical or similar marks.

Use of TM, SM and ® symbols

'TM' stands for Trademark and 'SM' stands for Servicemark. The use of TM and SM symbols notifies the public that the company is claiming exclusive ownership of the trademark and can generally be used by one who has filed a trademark application.

The ® symbol, can be used only once the trademark is registered and the registration certificate is issued. Also, you may use the registration symbol only in connection with the goods and/or services in respect of which the trademark is registered.

Source: Quora

If you're looking for affordable Trademark attorneys in Vietnam, check out ANT Lawyers was established to meet these needs by providing fast, effective and economical solutions. Hope that clears things up a bit. Feel free to message me directly to chat further about any other IP questions that you face. 

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