ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

Thứ Sáu, 29 tháng 9, 2017

Are there any differences in filing a Trademark application in Vietnam as compared to your home country?

The legal protection of Trademark is based on the principle of territoriality. That means each nation is free to regulate the use of intellectual property on its own territory. For instance, it can only grant protection titles to the domestic brands while denying foreigners. In order to overcome such problems, nations around the world have been reaching and signed a number of international treaties which was built on the principle of territoriality. There was a remarkable achievement that nations established certain rules that all member States must respect. Member States shall protect trademarks of companies of other member States as if they were his own citizen (so called principle of national treatment). In other words, assuming that Vietnam and France are member States, Vietnam is bound to treat French enterprises the same rules that it applies to Vietnamese firms.

As a consequence, there are not any differences in principle when filing a Trade mark application in Vietnam as compared other State members. However, practically, for filing a Trade mark application in Vietnam, there might some additional requirements or language of necessary documents as following:
1.Right to register marks: According to Article 89 Law on intellectual, foreign individuals not permanently residing in Vietnam and foreign organizations and individuals without production or business establishments in Vietnam could not file applications for Trademark registration by themselves but through their lawful representatives in Vietnam by POA (Power of Attorney).
2.Solving the language barrier: Foreign individuals permanently residing in Vietnam and foreign organizations and individuals whose production or business establishments are in Vietnam could file applications for Trademark by themselves. However, the language barrier might be the problem because Applicants shall fill a standard form in Vietnamese and submit this form to the NOIP accompanies by documents evidencing the registration right, the priority right or other documents supporting the application. All these documents could be made in another language but shall be translated into Vietnamese at the request of the State administrative body for industrial property rights
To be accepted, the sample of the Trademark must be clearly described by words in order to clarify elements of the mark and the comprehensive meaning of the mark, if any; where the mark consists of words or phrases in a foreign language, such words or phrases must be translated into Vietnamese.
3.Time for request your priority claim: Priority claim shall not be automatically recognized in Vietnam, therefore the claim for the priority right must be clearly stated in the application accompanied by a copy of the first application certified by the first IP office.
4.Applying “First to use” or “first to file” principle: In Vietnam, “first to file” principle is applied, that is far cry from so-called “first to use” countries. The “first to file” principle means rights in a trademark generally are acquired only through registration therefore a trademark owner can apply to Trademark registration without having used it anywhere and at any time. Kindly be advised that if you come from the United States, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand where trademark rights are generally acquired through use.
All in all, these treaties built up a harmonized system that benefits the international firms to protect their Trademark outside of the home nation. The local qualified Intellectual property Agent might support the international firms in overcoming the barrier of language and these additional requirements.
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Thứ Tư, 27 tháng 9, 2017

Non-Compete Agreement In Labor Contract

The principle “freedom to work” is recognized and respected by the Labor Code 2012. However, this regulation may harm legitimate business interests of employers when employees, during the performance of the labor contract or especially after the termination of the labor contract, reveal the business or technology secrets to compete with the employers. Therefore it is necessary to create the limits on the freedom to work, for the purpose of preventing workers from revealing employers’ business or technology secrets. Law in many countries around the world has recognized “Non-Compete Agreement” as a tool to enforce security programs.

The Labor Code 2012 and sub-law documents do not mention to the definition of “Non Compete Agreement”, but make the provision that: “When an employee performs a job which is directly related to business or technology secrets as prescribed by law, the employer may reach a written agreement with the employees on the content and duration of protection of business or technology secrets, and benefits and compensation in case of violation by the employees”.
The definition of “Non-Compete Agreement” is inferred by explaining the provisions of law and referred to the articles of legal experts. “Non-Compete Agreement” is a legal contract between an employee and an employer, for a purpose of preventing the worker from competing directly or working for a competitor during the performance of the labor contract or especially after the termination of the labor contract. Thereby, we can infer that only when employers have business or technology secrets, they have the right to make Non-Compete Agreement. Moreover, the legitimate business interests that are protected must be legal, unique, influence the maintenance, stability and development of business activities.
Analyzing the provision “Non-Compete Agreement”, we can conclude that, the employees adjusted by the “Non-Compete Agreement” is the worker who is directly involved in business or technology secrets (such as the senior managers, senior technicians and others are obliged to keep business or technology secrets). The Labor Code 2012 has regulated that the “Non-Compete Agreement” must be on text.
The provision of Non-Compete Agreement is necessary for employers to protect business or technology secrets, but it is difficult for workers to find job after the contract terminates. Therefore, Non-Compete Agreement should balance the interests between employers and employees by setting reasonable limits in time, geographic scope and particular industry or activity.
(i) For restriction on time, the Labor Code 2012 does not specify restriction period or the point of starting restriction period. This is entirely upon the parties. However, Non-Compete Agreement can not be enforced unless it specifies a reasonable restriction period. Referring to the law of some European countries (Germany, France) and Asian countries for example in China, the maximum restriction time is 02 years, to ensure that employees have conditions to find new jobs.
Moreover, it provides opportunities for employers to motivate, improve the technology and business secrets to develop. On the other hand, law in some other countries distinguishes between highly skilled workers (group 1) and unqualified employees (group 2). Spanish law is a typical example, the maximum restriction period is two years for workers in group 1 and six months for group 2.
(ii) Restriction on geographic scope is not regulated in Vietnamese law. Meanwhile, most countries such as France, China and Russia all regulate that the restriction is on the whole country. However, due to differences in society, economic and education conditions, Vietnam can hardly regulate like that. On the other hand, when making the provisions of the restrictions on geographic scope, it is necessary to base on the performance of the company, the method of production, the size of and the type of company.
(iii) For restriction on particular industry or activity, most courts tend to consider the work that employees will work in the new labor contract. Normally, if the new job is similar to the old one, it will not be approved by the court. Under the Labor Code 2012, the content of restrictions on particular industry or activity when employees enter into agreement include: (i) obligation to keep trade information confidential (business secrets, technology secrets) ; (ii) not be able to work for the competitor of former employers or to conduct his own business competing with former employers.
Labor Code in our country does not specify the scope of the restriction on particular industry or activity, it depends entirely on the will of the parties. Non-Compete Agreement can not be applied to all jobs, but only to those who hold business and technology secrets. For every type of work there will be a different range of restrictions. The scope of the restriction is not exceeding the employee‘s professional capacity and ensuring the opportunity of works in the future.
The benefit that employees receive when signed the Non-compete Agreement can be the opportunity for promotion, high salary, and commendation if the Non-Compete Agreement is made while the labor contract is valid. If the Non-Compete Agreement is applied after the labor contract terminates, employees shall receive the compensation. The amount of compensation is upon the agreement of the parties and must be satisfactory with the restriction of job opportunities. There are some cases that employees may not be entitled compensation are to violate the Non-Compete Agreement or die or prison sentence.
According to the Labor Code 2012, in case of violating the non-compete contract, employees have obligation to compensate, but it does not give specific compensation amount as well as the method of compensation. In order to claim compensation, employers must demonstrate these following factors: (1) the violation of the Non-Compete Agreement; (2) actual damage (the lost revenue and profit of the employer); (3) the causal relationship between the infringement and the damage; (4) fault of the employee. The amount of compensation must correspond to the amount of lost revenue or profit. In addition, employees must return the non-owned assets that are exploited and developed to compete with former employers. Moreover, employees must repay the compensation and other benefits paid by former employers if agreed in the agreement.
ANT Lawyers is a law firm in Vietnam located in the business centers of Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.  We provide convenient access to our clients. Please contact us to book your time in advanced to let us provide our best service.
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Chủ Nhật, 24 tháng 9, 2017

Regulation on Grid Connected Solar Power Investment Project

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has recently issued Circular 16/2017/TT-BCT on project development and the model purchase contract for solar power projects.

Accordingly, the grid connected solar power investment projects are regulated as follows:
– The investor can only set up a solar power investment project included in the provincial and national level solar-power development plan; or provincial and national power development plan that are approved.
– The contents of the solar power investment project must comply with the regulations on management of investment in construction and the following requirements:
+ Evaluate the impact of solar power project connection plan on the power system in the area.
+ Having equipment connected to the SCADA system or moderation information so that the forecast information on electricity output can be transmitted per hour to the regulated agency.
– The equity ratio of grid connected solar power projects should not less than 20% of the total investment.
– The area of long-term land use shall not exceed 1.2 ha/01 MWp.
Circular 16/2017/TT-BCT takes effect on October 26th2017.

Thứ Năm, 21 tháng 9, 2017

Hau Giang Reduces 50% Investment Licensing Time

Hau Giang province affirmed to speed up administrative procedures reformation, reducing 50% of the time for granting investment licenses and business registration, creating favorable conditions for investors when they set up business.

In which, Hau Giang province is calling for investment in 7 key projects, including industrial zone infrastructure development, hi-tech agriculture and ecotourism… with a total investment of nearly 300 million USD.
According to the vice chairman of Hau Giang People’s Committee, besides the policies in accordance with general regulations, localities also have their own incentive mechanisms for investors such as tax incentives, land rent exemption and reduction, investment support for manufacturing, preservation and processing facilities…, especially projects for sustainable development of agriculture and high technology application…
Furthermore, Department of Planning and Investment of Hau Giang province affirmed that the local authorities will shorten the maximum time for carrying out procedures, creating favorable conditions for enterprises and investors. Specifically, the business registration procedure is 3 days according to the law, but the locality can complete in 1.5 days. Regarding the investment policy, the law regulates 32 days but it is shortened to 15 days by the locality; time to receive and appraise for issuing investment certificate is only 3 days; discounted 2 days as prescribed.

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Thứ Tư, 20 tháng 9, 2017

HCMC proposes no-bid contracts for urgent infrastructure projects

HCMC on Monday asked the central Government for permission to award no-bid contracts for investors to implement urgent infrastructure projects.

These projects, which will be carried out in the public-private partnership (PPP) format, include phases one, two and four of Ring Road No. 2 project, and high-rise parking lots at September 23 Park, Ly Thuong Kiet residential area, Gia Dinh Park, District 8 bus terminal, and districts 5 and Tan Phu.


To ease traffic pressure on the main roads leading to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the city suggested the Ministry of Transport reduce aircraft movements at the airport at rush hour and increase those at night.

The city also asked the Government for approval to proceed with a plan to test emissions of motorcycles with engine capacity of 175cc or higher in the 2018-2020 period. After 2020, the city will send a report on the plan to the Prime Minister before it carries out the next phase of the plan, in which motorcycles with engine capacity below 175cc will be tested for emissions.

For waterway transport, the city suggested the Ministry of Transport adjust the waterway transport plan for Cat Lai Port to make it compatible with the city’s general waterway transport development plan until 2020.
Source: The Saigon Times
ANT Lawyers is a law firm in Vietnam located in the business centers of Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.  We provide convenient access to our clients. Please contact us to book your time in advanced to let us provide our best service.
Call us at (+84) 24 32 23 27 71 or send us email ant@antlawyers.vn

HCMC calls for private investment in boat stops along Saigon River

The HCMC government is calling for private waterway transport and tourism services enterprises to invest in stops along the Saigon River to spur waterway tourism in the city.

The municipal Departments of Transport and Planning-Architecture, and districts across the city are jointly drawing a plan to develop a waterway system and examine positions for such stops. Bach Dang Wharf on the Saigon River is considered the central station to serve passenger transport activities and waterway tourism.


In addition, Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi Port, which is near Bach Dang Wharf, has good facilities and convenient traffic systems for passenger transport and tourism development.

Relevant agencies proposed developing the port to cater to domestic and foreign passenger ships.
However, the city has difficulty promoting waterway tourism due to a lack of connectivity between waterways and roads, and underdeveloped ports and wharfs.

According to a waterway tourism development plan in the 2017-2020 period approved in June, the city will focus on waterway tourism promotion.

Accordingly, at least seven waterway tourism routes will be launched in the Saigon, Dong Nai, Nha Be, Soai Rap and Long Tau rivers as well as canals in HCMC, including the Bach Dang-District 7 route, the route from Bach Dang Wharf to Tau Hu in districts 8 and 5, the Bach Dang-District 9 route, and the route from Bach Dang Wharf to Binh Quoi.

The city targets to attract 450,000 tourists using waterway services next year and the number will increase 15% annually. Waterborne tourism is expected to fetch VND540 billion (US$24 million) in revenue this year.

Source: The Saigon Times

Thứ Ba, 12 tháng 9, 2017

Minister: Law on special economic zones will offer strong boon for investors

HANOI – Investors in Vietnam’s special economic zones would enjoy far greater incentives than those offered by similar zones in many other countries if the draft law on special administrative and economic zones is approved, said Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung.

Speaking at the 14th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee in Hanoi on September 11, Dung said that as of 2016, there were about 4,500 special economic zones in 140 countries around the world. Therefore, Vietnam’s special economic zones must provide a much stronger boon to grab the attention of foreign investors in Vietnam.


Dung said factors that make special economic zones more appealing to investors include simple administrative procedures, fee and tax incentives, and favorable business environment and strategic locations.

According to the draft law, domestic special economic zones will receive support from the Government to develop basic infrastructure and high-quality human resources, while State management will be streamlined.
The draft law abolishes a number of conditional business sectors and simplifies business registration procedures.

Enterprises investing in priority sectors like business support, research and development, education and healthcare will be able to hold land use rights for up to 99 years. Apartments in housing or resort projects can be transferred to, donated to, acquired by or inherited by foreign organizations and individuals.

The draft law also proposes raising duty-free limits at duty-free shops in such zones, offering visa exemptions for foreigners staying in Vietnam within 60 days, issuing e-visas for foreigners and offering lower special consumption tax to casinos.

Minister Dung said Vietnam’s economic growth has slowed down in recent years, with the weak competitiveness and unattractive business environment. Therefore, the Government will have to take drastic measures and offer greater incentives to attract more investment into special economic zones.

Source: The Saigon Times

Thứ Hai, 11 tháng 9, 2017

Actively Review and Cut-off Unnecessary Business Conditions

Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked the Ministries to research, actively self-review to amend or proposed modifications, cutting business conditions which are not reasonable and unnecessary.
On August 22nd 2017 , under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Government held a legislative session to give comments on the draft law on competition (revised); the draft law amending and supplementing some articles of the law on environmental protection tax; draft law on administrative unit and special economic zones; discuss on the report synthesizing the results of reviews and proposals of ministries and agencies on the drafting of laws to amend and supplement the laws relating to land, construction, housing, business and planning…

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, there are still 4,284 business investment requirements and conditions in 243 industries under the management of 15 ministries, which are regulated in 237 legal normative documents. The Ministry of Planning and Investment proposes to abolish all or part of the business investment conditions in finance, location, production capacity, human resources, business methods, planning…
Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has proposed to abolish 96 conditions of business and amend 13 conditions in 3 sectors: industry, transportation, science and technology.
Regarding the draft law on special administrative and economic units aim to create legal bases for the establishment, development, management and operation of 3 special zones namely Van Don (Quang Ninh), North Van Phong (Khanh Hoa) and Phu Quoc (Kien Giang).
In terms of the draft law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Environmental Protection Tax, the Prime Minister emphasized that the role of amending and supplementing this law in the context that environmental regulations violation is complicated. complex. According to the Ministry of Finance – the drafting agency, the current environmental protection tax policy has revealed some obstacles that need to be finalized in order to ensure that this is an important economic tool, contributing to limiting the production and use of goods that pollute the environment, encouraging the use of environmentally friendly goods towards sustainable development.
Commenting on the draft Law on Competition, the Prime Minister said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade should thoroughly review the unfair competition practices so as not to overlap with other laws.

Thứ Năm, 7 tháng 9, 2017

Labour Matters and Labour Legal Compliance

The labor management is one of the most important matters in the operation of enterprises.  For the employee, he or she has to fulfill the job requirements as per labour contract, follow internal labour regulations, and work under the supervision of the employer.  For employer, complying with  regulations include paying salary, ensuring benefits, and other mandlabouratory compliance as per labour laws and collective labour agreements signed.

The following recaps the labour matters and labour legal compliance according to Vietnam labour laws:
  1. To make reports on labor use according to the provisions of Article 6, Circular No. 23/2014/TT-BLDTBXH dated August 29th 2014 (Circular 23).
  2. To make periodical reports on the use and change of labor according to the provisions of Point d, Clause 2, Article 6 of the Labor Code 2012 and Clause 2, Article 8 of Decree No. 03/2014/ND-CP and Clause 2, Article 6 of the Circular 23.
  3. To make and use labor management books as guided in Article 7 of Circular 23.
  4. Build and send wage scales, payroll, technical standards, titles, professional standards and labor norms in accordance with Article 93 of Labor Code 2012 and Chapter III of Decree No. 49/2013/ND-CP dated May 14th 2013
  5. To participate and pay social insurance, health insurance, unemployment insurance for employees in accordance with current law.
  6. To construct and register the labor regulations of the unit in accordance with Article 119, Clause 1, Clause 2, Article 120 of the Labor Code 2012, Chapter V of Decree No. 05/2015/ND-CP dated January 12th (Decree 05) and Chapter III of Circular 47/2015/TT-BLDTBXH dated November 15th 2015.
  7. To develop and promulgate the Grassroots Democracy Regulation; Statute of periodical dialogue in the workplace as stipulated in Decree 60/2013/ND-CP dated June 19th 2013
  8. To negotiate, sign and send the Collective Labor Agreement to the provincial labor authority in accordance with Chapter V of the Labor Code 2012, Chapter III of Decree 05 and Article 3 of Circular 29/2015/TT-BLDTBXH dated July 31st 2015 (this is optional).
  9. To make explanatory reports on the demand for use, the procedures for the grant and re-grant of work permits and the implementation of reporting regimes according to the provisions of Decree No. 11/2016/ND-CP dated March 2nd 2016 and Circular 40/2016/TT-BLDTBXH dated October 25th 2016 (if employing foreign workers).
  10. To formulate and promulgate the Regulation on evaluation of the performance of tasks as provided in Clause 1, Article 12 of Decree 05 (This content is part of the company’s working regulations and we must have this content to be able to unilaterally terminate the labor contract with the employee under Clause 1, Article 38 of the Labor Code 2012).
  11. To carry out the procedures for the establishment of a grassroots trade union organization in accordance with the provisions of Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Article 189 of the Labor Code 2012 and Article 5 of the Trade Union Law 2012 (This is not mandatory but depends on the quantity of workers want to join the union of the company).
  12. To report on occupational accidents, technical incidents causing serious unsafety and occupational hygiene at the unit as provided in Clause 1, Article 36 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 2015 (if any); Periodically report on occupational accidents according to the provisions of Clause 1, Article 24 of Decree No. 39/2016/ND-CP dated May 15th 2016 (Decree 39).
  13. To report annually on occupational safety and health as provided in Article 10 of Circular 07/2016/TT-BLDTBXH dated May 15th 2016
  14. To declare the fatal occupational accident or serious injury of 2 or more laborers as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 34 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 2015; Article 10 of Decree 39 (if any).
  15. To monitor, manage and declare the use of machines, equipments and materials with strict requirements on labor safety in accordance with Articles 30 and 31 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene, Article 16 of Decree 44/2016/ND-CP dated May 15th 2016 (Decree 44) (if any); Circular 53/2016/TT-BLDTBXH dated December 28th 2016
  16. To arrange full-time officials working in occupational safety and health in accordance with Article 36 of Decree 39.
  17. To arrange staff to work in the health sector in accordance with Article 37 of Decree 39.
  18. To provide material allowances to laborers working under dangerous and harmful conditions (if any) according to the provisions of Article 24 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 2015; Circular 25/2013/TT-BLDTBXH dated October 18th 2013
  19. To review, classify and organize occupational safety and health training for laborers as stipulated in Article 14 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Health 2015; Article 17 of Decree 44.
  20. To organize health examination and treatment of occupational diseases for laborers according to the provisions of Article 21 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 2015.
  21. To compile the workers’ health records and labor sanitation dossiers according to the provisions of Circular No. 19/2016/TT-BYT dated June 30th 2016
  22. To allocate and monitor personal protective devices for laborers according to the provisions of Article 23 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 2015; Circular 04/2014/TT-BLDTBXH dated Feruary 12th 2014
  23. To develop and implement an annual plan for occupational safety and health; Occupational safety and health regulations of the enterprise for each working area; Safe working methods for each type of work; Control of risk and harmful factors; Risk assessment on occupational safety and health; The plan for handling technical incidents causing serious unsafety and emergency rescue as provided in Articles 15, 18, 76, 77 and 78 of the Law on Occupational Safety and Hygiene 2015.
  24. To develop a plan for implementation of the month of action on occupational safety and health in accordance with Circular 02/2017/TT-BLDTBXH dated February 20th, 2017
It is important the company to retain law firm in Vietnam with labour expertise to avoid non compliance and disputes to be arisen.

Thứ Ba, 5 tháng 9, 2017

How to Set-up business in Da Nang?

Foreign investors may invest in the form of 100% capital to establish a limited liability company, joint stock company, partnership company or other forms in investment in Vietnam.
Foreign investors that invest in Vietnam for the first time must have investment projects and fill in investment registration or examination procedures at state agencies in charge of investment in order to be granted investment registration certificates. Investment certificates shall concurrently be business registration certificates.  Company with 100% foreign capital has founded and operated from the date of issuance of the investment certificate.

A project dossier for Set-up business in Da Nang shall comprise:
  • Registration/Request for issuance of Investment Certificate;
  • A report on financial capability of the investor;
  • Draft of the company’s charter;
  • List of members of company;
  • Copy of the people’s identity card, passport or other lawful personal certification, for individual members;
  • Copy of the establishment decision, business registration certificate or other equivalent document, for member organizations;
  • Copies of the authorization document, the people’s identity card, passport or other lawful personal certification, for authorized representatives.
  • Copies of the business registration certificates of the foreign member organizations must be authenticated within three months before the date of submission of the business registration dossier by agencies where such organizations are registered;
  • Written authorization of the investor in case investor is organization and valid copy of the lawful personal certification of the authorized representative. Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Vietnamese, notarized and legalized;
  • The joint-venture contract or Business Cooperation Contract (BCC);
  • Other documents required by Vietnam law.
The establishment of a company in Vietnam would take from 30 days.  The extra time might be needed in case the investment area is conditional or the State government needs to examine the investment project.  Minimum capital, special licenses or other conditions might be required in certain investment projects.
The  law  on  investment constantly changes which ANT Lawyers will monitor and provide relevant update