The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IPVN) has posted statistics intended for inclusion in the Intellectual Property (IP) Annual Report for 2024, which will offer a comprehensive overview of the country’s IP landscape. This article presents key developments in patents, industrial designs, and the transfer of IP rights, backed by updated statistics and year-on-year comparisons, reflecting ongoing shifts and growth in Vietnam’s IP ecosystem.
Highlights
Invention filings reached an all-time high
In 2024, a total of 9,904 invention applications were filed in Vietnam – the highest number ever recorded (Figure A1), continuing a sustained upward trend in patent activity. Of these, 1,226 applications were filed by Vietnamese applicants, while 8,678 came from foreign applicants, who thus accounted for around 88% of total filings in 2024. This proportion is consistent with previous years, reflecting the significant contribution of overseas entities to patent activity in Vietnam.
A1. Invention applications filed from 2013 to 2024
Patent grants reached a new peak
In 2024, Vietnam granted a record-breaking 4,430 patents, marking the highest annual figure ever recorded (Figure A2). This impressive surge represents a notable 21% increase compared to 2023, reflecting significant progress in patent examination efficiency.
Recently, the Vietnamese Government has mandated the IPVN to accelerate the processing of IP cases. In response, the IPVN is taking concrete measures to streamline examinations and reduce the backlog of pending applications. With these proactive efforts underway, the number of patents granted in the coming years is anticipated to rise even further, aligning with international standards and playing a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s economic advancement.
A2. Invention patents granted from 2013 to 2024
Utility solution (Utility Model) applications hit record high
Vietnam received 892 utility solution applications in 2024, the highest in the 2013–2024 period (Figure A3), even surpassing all previous years on record. Domestic applicants accounted for 670 filings (75%), reflecting growing innovation among Vietnamese entities. Foreign applicants submitted 222 applications, a slight decrease from 241 in 2023, but still indicative of sustained international interest.
A3. Utility solution applications filed from 2013 to 2024
The United States remains top filer
The United States remained the leading filer of patent and utility solution applications in 2024, accounting for 22.76% of total filings (Figure A4). Japan followed with 17.56%, trailed by the Republic of Korea (14.68%) and China (12.21%). Notably, Vietnam itself, represented 12.95% of filings. The remaining countries combined contributed 19.84%.
This diverse distribution confirms Vietnam’s strategic role as a regional innovation and IP hub, attracting participation from major global economies.
A4. Top foreign filers of invention/utility solution applications in 2024
Industrial design applications rose 1.6%
Vietnam received 3,796 industrial design applications in 2024, up 1.6% from 3,738 in 2023 (Figure A5). Of these, Vietnamese applicants submitted 2,046 applications, while foreign applicants filed 1,750—both showing slight increases over the previous year. Notably, the number of applications filed by foreigners had previously dropped in 2020, which may be attributed to Vietnam’s accession to the Hague Agreement at the end of 2019. This development encouraged foreign applicants to shift towards filing through the international Hague system rather than directly in Vietnam. However, direct filings by foreign applicants have seen a modest rebound in recent years, suggesting that direct application channels may still offer certain practical advantages.
A5. Industrial design applications filed from 2013 to 2024
IP Licenses
Between 2020 and 2024, licensing contract requests between Vietnamese parties (VN–VN) fluctuated, peaking at 111 requests in 2024 (Figures A6 and A7). In contrast, requests involving foreign parties (VN–NN, NN–NN) remained low and relatively stable.
A6. Number of requests for registration of licensing contracts
A7. Number of registered licensing contracts
VN-VN: Licensing contract between the Vietnamese and the Vietnamese
VN-F: Licensing contract between the Vietnamese and the foreigner
F-F: Licensing contract between the foreigner and the foreigner
By Dinh Thi Thuy Trang and Ngo Khanh Linh
Patent Department
