The Socialist Republic of Vietnam began protect industrial property in 1981, nearly six years after unification, when it promulgated the Regulations on Innovations and Inventions by Decree No.31-CP.

The promulgation of Ordinance on Protection of Industrial Property Rights by Order No.13-LCT/HDNN8 of 11 February 1989 of the President of State Council opened a new era in the field of industrial property law in Vietnam. The Ordinance established both substantive industrial property rights and a system for their administration and protection. Under the Ordinance, Author's Certificate as a form of protection of inventions does no longer exist.

On October 28, 1995 the National Assembly passed the Civil Code which contains, among others, stipulations on industrial property (chapter II of section 6). The Civil Code which took effect on July 1, 1996 replaces, amongst other laws, all old law and regulations on industrial property in Vietnam. This was the first time since 1975, the year of reunification of Vietnam, a legal document regulating industrial property was issued by the highest legislative body of Vietnam.

The following are other subordinate legislation which were passed by bodies other than the National Assembly, who have been granted power to enact such legislation by the National Assembly.

1. Decree No.63/CP providing Detailed Regulations and Guidelines for implementing the provisions of the Civil Code on Industrial Property, was signed by the Prime Minister on October 24, 1996 and took effect on that date.

2. Circular No.3055/TT-SHCN providing Detailed Guidelines on Industrial Property Application Procedure promulgated by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment on December 31, 1996 and took effect on January 15, 1997.

The current law and regulations on industrial property contain several substantive changes and additions to the old law e.g. deferred examination of patent applications, universal novelty of utility solution, patent duration of 20 year from the filing date, etc.

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