The roundtable discussion on “Improving the effectiveness of cooperation among enforcement agencies in the fight against counterfeiting and intellectual property rights infringement” was held in Hanoi on October 20. The function was part of a project on improving coordination among IPR enforcement agencies in Vietnam, funded by the British Embassy.
Data of the Market Surveillance Agency show that the market surveillance force detected 29,403 cases relating to counterfeits, knock-offs and IPR violations in the first nine months of 2016. Violators were fined a total of VND58 billion.
Particularly, 2,288 cases were knock-offs; 1,534 cases counterfeited trademarks, geographical indications and packages; 316 cases infringed intellectual property rights; 350 cases violated labelling and packaging; and 22,850 cases contravened labelling rules.
At the meeting, domestic and international specialists underlined the coordination among IPR enforcement agencies to raise the effectiveness of exercising IPR in Vietnam.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai, Head of the 389 Steering Committee (Ministry of Industry and Trade), stressed that, to improve the efficiency of coordination among enforcement forces in the fight against counterfeits and IPR infringement in Vietnam, it is necessary to enhance communication on laws to raise the self-awareness and compliance of citizens, households and businesses and prevent counterfeit trafficking and transportation and IPR violation. It is also important to seriously implement Decision 19/2016/QD-TTg dated May 6, 2016 of the Prime Minister on coordinating responsibilities and relations of enforcement authorities in the fight against smuggling and commercial fraudulence.
IPR enforcement agencies discussed and put forth solutions to enhance coordination and improve the efficiency of the fight against counterfeiting and IPR infringement.
The coordination in inspection and capture of IPR violators among enforcement agencies produced positive changes and achieved positive results. However, outcomes did not come up with expectations because of irregular and untimely information exchange; late and slow coordination in inspection; insufficient public awareness in intellectual property; limited capacity of enforcement forces and overlapping mechanisms.
At the workshop, participants put forth solutions to improving IPR enforcement. For instance, coordination should be carried out comprehensively in all aspects such as study, recommendation, amendment, supplement and perfection of policies and laws in connection with IPR enforcement to befit domestic conditions and meet international economic integration requirements.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade will set up cross-sector inspection teams to detect and handle IPR infringements in some areas, and combine planned and sudden inspections. Besides, enforcement agencies will continue to build database systems, share information, share annual reports on IPR enforcement, and improve capacity building for IPR enforcement staff.
Huong Giang
Vietnamese
