Geographical Indication Registrations in Vietnam Have Increased Rapidly
Vietnam has seen a rapid increase in the number of geographical indication (GI) registrations for its agricultural products, leading to price increases of 15-25%. This is evident in the case of Mr. Vu Van Men from Bac Giang, whose lychee trees were once at risk of losing value during the “good season.” However, after obtaining a GI protection certificate in Japan, their selling price increased by 15-25%.
The success of GI registrations has been attributed to Vietnam’s strict adherence to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. To export lychees to Japan and receive GI protection, lychee trees cannot be intercropped with other trees and livestock cannot be raised in the garden area. These requirements have led to an increase in selling prices for Luc Ngan lychees by 15-25%, compared to before the GI protection was attached.
The Bac Giang Department of Industry and Trade predicts that exports of Vietnamese lychees to Japan will continue to increase over the coming years, with estimates of 201 tons for 2021, 254 tons for 2023, and 500 tons for 2024. However, Vietnamese businesses expanding abroad must register for intellectual property protection in the countries they are targeting as well. The National Office of Intellectual Property reports a rapid increase in GI registrations in Vietnam over recent years. Many localities have invested specific products through GIs, with fruit products accounting for about 35% of all protected GIs.
Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial for Vietnamese businesses expanding abroad as it increases the value of specific local products and expands export opportunities. State management agencies are working to support businesses through seminars, training, and raising awareness about intellectual property rights. Vietnam has signed international treaties on intellectual property and has cooperation activities with partners like WIPO to support Vietnamese businesses protecting intellectual property rights in foreign markets. The signing of free trade agreements like those with the European Union demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights while expanding internationally.
