Speaking on the afternoon of May 30, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to questions regarding the announcement by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on May 29 that it had initiated an investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 concerning a number of issues related to Vietnam's protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.

The spokesperson said Vietnam's position, efforts and achievements in the field of intellectual property protection and enforcement had already been clearly outlined in statements issued on May 1 and May 14.

Strengthening intellectual property protection and enforcement remains a consistent policy of Vietnam aimed at building a transparent and healthy investment and business environment, promoting innovation and fully implementing international commitments.

According to the spokesperson, the USTR's decision to launch a Section 301 investigation is a procedure conducted in accordance with US law. Relevant issues will continue to be reviewed through exchanges and consultations between the two sides during the course of the investigation.

Ongoing consultations between the two countries

In recent years, the two sides have maintained close communication on this matter. The US side has positively acknowledged Vietnam's policy direction as well as the steps and measures it has taken.

"We stand ready to continue consultations, share information and clarify policies, regulations, and measures that are being implemented and will be implemented. At the same time, we request that the US side conduct an objective and fair assessment and fully recognize Vietnam's efforts and substantive results in the spirit of constructive cooperation, consistent with the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, for the benefit of the people and businesses of both countries," the spokesperson said.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung issued an official directive ordering the vigorous implementation of measures to combat, prevent and handle violations of intellectual property rights. The directive aims to create a strong shift and improve the effectiveness of enforcement efforts in this field.

The move reflects Vietnam's consistent policy of strengthening intellectual property protection and enforcement in line with sustainable development goals, the creation of a transparent and secure investment and business environment, and the effective implementation of international commitments.

Enforcement efforts intensified

In 2025, Vietnamese authorities handled thousands of cases related to intellectual property rights violations.

The Market Surveillance Force alone dealt with 3,306 intellectual property infringement cases in traditional markets and 599 cases involving e-commerce platforms and social media.

At the same time, more than 1,200 websites that provided or shared content showing signs of copyright and related rights infringement were blocked. The number of criminal cases, prosecutions and trials involving intellectual property violations also increased compared with the previous year.

Customs authorities likewise detected and handled numerous cases involving counterfeit goods and products infringing intellectual property rights with significant commercial value.

Vietnam has also urged the business community, including export-oriented enterprises, to strengthen compliance with intellectual property laws, refrain from producing, trading, distributing or facilitating counterfeit trademark goods and products that infringe intellectual property rights, and proactively protect their own intellectual assets.

Businesses have been encouraged to work closely with authorities and rights holders in detecting, preventing and addressing intellectual property violations.

Tran Thuong