Deadline: 31 months from the priority date (PCT application filing date).

Required Documents:

• PCT application details (WO publication, international search report, and written opinion).
• Vietnamese translation of the specification (claims, description, drawings, and abstract).
• Power of Attorney (POA) (signed, no notarization required).
• Deed of Assignment (if the applicant differs from the PCT applicant).
• Certified copy of priority document (if required).

– The Vietnam Intellectual Property Office (IP Vietnam) reviews the application for completeness and compliance with formal requirements.

– If deficiencies are found, a Notice of Formality Defects is issued, allowing the applicant to correct them within a specified period.

– The application is published in the Industrial Property Gazette after 19 months from the priority date (or within 2 months from acceptance of formality examination if the application has passed the 19-month mark).

– Third parties may submit oppositions or observations regarding patentability.

Request Deadline: Must be filed within 42 months from the priority date.

– IP Vietnam conducts a detailed examination to assess novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.

– If objections arise, an Office Action is issued, allowing the applicant to respond with arguments or amendments.

– If the application meets all patentability requirements, IP Vietnam issues a Decision to Grant a Patent.

– The applicant must pay the grant and publication fees within the prescribed period.

– Once granted, the patent is valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

• Timeframe: The entire process may take 3–5 years, depending on examination complexity and potential objections.
• Protection Scope: Covers inventions in Vietnam but does not extend internationally.
• Extensions: No extensions are allowed beyond the 31-month deadline for national phase entry.

Priority Claim: Must be filed within 12 months if claiming priority.

Required Documents:

• Applicant and Inventor Information
• Specification (claims, description, drawings, abstract)
• Certified copy of priority document (if applicable)
• Power of Attorney (POA)
• Deed of Assignment (if required)

IP Vietnam examines the application for compliance with formal requirements within about one month.

Published after 19 months from the priority date or within two months of acceptance.

Must be requested within 42 months. Examination evaluates novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.

Patent granted upon meeting requirements. Valid for 20 years with annual maintenance fees.

• Vietnam follows the first-to-file system.
• Security control applies to inventions made in Vietnam.
• No extensions beyond the 12-month priority deadline.