Notable examples are the copyright infringement case involving BH Media and the first computer software copyright case in Phu Tho.

On June 11, the Investigation Police Agency of Phu Tho Provincial Police issued a decision to prosecute a criminal case for “Infringement of copyright and related rights” under Article 225 of the Penal Code. Authorities conducted searches at five locations in Hanoi and Phu Tho targeting companies that supply computers and install software.

This is the first case nationwide prosecuted for unauthorized use of licensed computer software.

The Economic Police Division of Phu Tho Provincial Police determined that Song Lam Trading and Service Co., Ltd., located in Nong Trang Ward, Phu Tho Province, and directed by Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, 47, had supplied 81 computers to many businesses and units in the area.

The computers were installed with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office using illegal activation tools such as cracks, pirated keys, and activators to disable the manufacturer’s copyright protection.

Expanding verification efforts at an educational institution in the area, police found another 350 computers with similar signs. The devices were supplied by Athena Vietnam Information System Co., Ltd., located in Khuong Dinh Ward, Hanoi, and renamed Athena Vietnam Information System JSC in April 2025, and Tek-Solution Technology Solutions Co., Ltd., located in Thanh Xuan Ward, Hanoi.

According to investigators, the license value of Windows and Microsoft Office ranges from VND4 to 9 million per machine. Direct damages are estimated at tens of billions of VND. Police also determined that using illegally activated software poses major information security risks, including malware, spyware, and data theft.

Beyond economic losses, this behavior seriously affects product research and development, reduces the effectiveness of intellectual property protection, and negatively impacts a fair competitive environment.

Phu Tho Provincial Police also warned about cybersecurity risks. Using illegally activated software carries a very high risk of information insecurity.

Computers using pirated software are easily implanted with malware or spyware by hackers, creating vulnerabilities for cyberattacks, data theft, and breaches of confidential information belonging to agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Earlier, on May 15 and May 16, the Investigation Police Agency of the Ministry of Public Security, C03, decided to prosecute five criminal cases and seven defendants for “Infringement of copyright and related rights”.

The seven defendants are: Nguyen Hai Binh, general director of BH Media Company; Vo Van Nam, director of Lululola Entertainment Co., Ltd.; Nguyen Minh Duc and Ngo Thanh Tung, part of the 1900 Group in Ha Long; Vo Hoang Viet and Nguyen Trung Truong Huy, director of May Sai Gon Co., Ltd. operating in HCMC and Da Lat; and Diep Van Lap, singer Quang Lap, owner of Giong Ca De Doi Center.

According to investigation documents, Nguyen Hai Binh signed contracts with many music lounges and music event organizers to record audio and video of musical works. Then, the suspects edited, copied, and uploaded them to YouTube channels without permission from the authors or owners. Advertising revenue from these products was transferred to BH Media Company.

BH Media introduced itself as an enterprise operating in the fields of digital content, music distribution, copyright management, and content monetization across platforms including YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

At Giong Ca De Doi Center, Diep Van Lap both performed and organized recording and filming of performances, then copied and signed contracts with BH Media to upload to YouTube without permission and without paying royalties to authors.

At May Sai Gon Co., Ltd., Vo Hoang Viet and Nguyen Trung Truong Huy were found to have obtained performance permits but also recorded audio and video of works without authorization and uploaded them online through BH Media.

Investigators determined that BH Media and related parties profited about VND6 billion  from this activity. BH Media paid the other parties based on agreed percentages.

On May 5, the Prime Minister issued Urgent Official Dispatch No. 38 on intensifying the fight against and handling of intellectual property rights infringements. 

The Prime Minister demanded that forces deploy nationwide to prevent and handle violations under the spirit of "no forbidden zones, no exceptions". The Ministry of Public Security was tasked with leading investigations and prosecuting severe cases of copyright and related rights infringement, as well as dismantling organizations running high-traffic online pirated websites.

Duc Phong