Usage patent in Vietnam

Patents play a key role in innovation and development. Patents not only promote innovation but also promote technology transfer. Reasonable commercial exploitation of this type of intellectual property will contribute to increasing benefits for society, promoting sustainable development, and improving national competitiveness. Patents are intangible assets and are protected and recognized by law. In the article below, Viet An Law Firm will present to clients about usage patent in Vietnam.

Legal basis

• TPP Agreement;
• Intellectual Property Law 2005, amended and supplemented 2009, 2019, 2022;

Regulations of the TPP Agreement

In the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement that Vietnam signed, in the section Related to Intellectual Property, specifically Article 18.37 TPP, this issue was mentioned as follows: “..each member country affirms that patents are granted for patents that are claimed by at least one of the following types: new uses for a known product, new methods of using a known product known, or new procedures for using a known product”.

Thus, according to the provisions of this article, Vietnam, a TPP signatory, will have to accept “usage patent” protection expressed in “product” or “process” claims of protection.

What is a usage patent?

Article 3.12 of the Intellectual Property Law stipulates that: “A patent is a technical solution in the form of a product or process to solve a defined problem by applying natural laws.”

A usage patent is considered a type of patent in which the applicant not only creates a new product or process but also addresses how that product or process can be used or applied in reality.

Usage patents are often detailed descriptions of how a new product or method can be integrated into a practical environment, solve specific problems, or provide outstanding benefits to users. It is not limited to describing the structure or operating principle of the product, but also talks about how it can be deployed and applied in real-life situations.

Example of a usage patent

Patent name: Anti-abrasion coating and method of use

Patent Classification (IPC): C08K3/36, C09D7/12, C08K9/06, C08K3/22, B32B5/16

Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.

Application date: March 31, 2003

Application announcement date: January 25, 2005

The patent relates to an anti-wear coating having high abrasion transparency. This filler contains a homogeneous mixture of particles, consisting of organic silane-treated alumina and similarly treated or untreated silica. The combined use of these particles allows to significantly reduce the weight percentage of anti-wear particles, creating appropriate abrasion resistance for the coating. These particles may have an inner face, for example, urethane acrylate binders, which may be solidified using UV radiation. The patent also covers methods of using this coating.

General conditions for protected patents

A patent is protected in the form of a patent if it meets the following conditions:

• Novelty;
• Creative level;
• Capable of industrial application.

Subject matter is not protected as a patent

According to Article 59 of the Intellectual Property Law, the following subjects are not protected as patents:

• Patents, scientific theories, mathematical methods;
• Schemes, plans, rules and methods for performing mental activities, training pets, conducting games, and doing business; Computer Programs;
• The way to present information;
• The solution has only aesthetic properties;
• Plant varieties, animal varieties;
• Plant and animal production processes are mainly biological and not microbiological processes;
• Methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in humans and animals.

Patent protection procedures

Patent protection application

• 02 copies of patent registration declaration (02 copies);
• 02 copies of the patent description and patent protection claims (including drawings, if any);
• 02 patent summaries;
• Document confirming the right to registration if the applicant benefits from another person’s right to registration;
• Copy of fee and charge payment voucher (in case of payment of fees and charges via postal service or direct payment to the Intellectual Property Department’s account);
• Power of attorney (if applying through a representative of Viet An Law Firm).

Patent registration service of Viet An Law Firm – Intellectual Property Representative

• Consulting, searching, evaluating usability, and registering for protection of patents in Vietnam and abroad;
• Informally or officially search patent information at the National Office of Intellectual Property – Independent costs;
• Completing the application file for a patent protection title;
• Monitor application processing progress at the National Office of Intellectual Property;
• Representing clients throughout the entire process of establishing rights and responding to official correspondence with the National Office of Intellectual Property on patent registration;
• Exchange and provide information to clients during the patent protection registration process.
• Consulting and implementing services to maintain the validity of patent protection certificates granted in Vietnam and abroad
• Consulting and evaluating the possibility of violating protected patent rights;
• Negotiate, draft, examine, and register contracts to transfer use rights or ownership of patents in Vietnam and abroad.

If you have questions or need advice on legal services related to patent registration and usage patent in Vietnam, please contact Viet An Law for the best support!