Stepping Up the Fight Against Fakes: Vietnam's Crackdown on Counterfeits and Digital Piracy
Vietnam intensifies actions against counterfeit goods and digital piracy
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Vietnam is ramping up its battle against counterfeits and digital piracy, aligning with ongoing customs negotiations with the US. Luxury labels such as Prada and Gucci (owned by Kering), electronic giants like Google and Samsung, and toy manufacturers such as Lego and Mattel are all facing tighter border controls [1][3][4]. This information comes from a customs department document obtained by Reuters.
The US has labeled Vietnam as a hub for illegal activities and has threatened hefty tariffs. Besides luxury goods, household items like shampoos and razors from Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson are also subject to this crackdown [1]. Contrary to popular belief, Vietnam's focus is on imported fakes, separate from locally produced counterfeits, which are a concern for the US administration [2].
In a significant move against digital piracy, the ministry of culture has taken action against unauthorized software use. Inspectors sent a warning to a local company on April 14 after receiving a complaint from the Business Software Alliance (BSA), whose members include Microsoft, Oracle, and Adobe. Similar warnings have been dispatched to multiple companies since early April [4].
Vietnam's export-oriented industrial hub status is at stake, given the potential 46 percent tariffs on exports to the US, its largest market [2]. However, this tariff is on hold until July. To ease tensions and avoid potential tariffs, improving the protection of intellectual property, including combating counterfeits and digital piracy, has been included in US trade talks [1][2][4].
Despite these efforts, counterfeit luxury goods were still being sold openly last week in a shopping center in Ho Chi Minh City, a notorious market for counterfeiting as identified by the US trade representative in January [1]. When confronted, a seller admitted to offering fake Prada wallets and bags, made in China [2].
Sources: ntv.de, RTS | [1] Vietnamnet Bridge | [2] Reuters | [3] Bloomberg | [4] Vietnam Briefing | [5] World Intellectual Property Review
Vietnam's persistent actions demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding intellectual property rights and reducing trade barriers, both crucial components in its ongoing negotiations with the US [4][5].
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding the fight against fakes in Vietnam, given its expertise in technology and intellectual property matters.
Moreover, as technology continues to play a significant role in the production and distribution of counterfeit goods and digital piracy, it is vital for the Commission to offer guidance on effective strategies for Vietnam to combat these issues.
