On June 11 and 12, 2025, WIPO held a face-to-face expert meeting on the Madrid System for the Intellectual Property Office of Viet Nam (IP Viet Nam), and a seminar for private practitioners and businesses. Both events – held in Hanoi, Viet Nam – were organized in collaboration with IP Viet Nam, with support from Funds-In-Trust (FIT) Japan Industrial Property Global.
This was the first in-person bilateral meeting with IP Viet Nam and the first in-person event for Vietnamese users on the Madrid System under FIT/Japan.
About the expert meeting
The main objectives of the expert meeting were:
- to strengthen operational and promotional practices with IP Viet Nam through exchange of in-depth knowledge and best practices; and
- to discuss future developments in administering the Madrid System.
Some twenty officials from IP Viet Nam attended. The meeting focused on IP Viet Nam's current challenges and practices, such as electronic communication and promotion of the Madrid System. Japan Patent Office (JPO) experts and WIPO experts highlighted their recent initiatives for the development and transition to electronic communication and promotional activities. JPO experts also shared their experience with the introduction of the Madrid e-Filing System. Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance operational efficiency and promotion of the Madrid System in Viet Nam.
About the user seminar
The seminar attracted some ninety participants including companies, research institutions, lawyers, trademark practitioners, and user associations.
WIPO experts highlighted the strategic advantages of the Madrid System for Vietnamese businesses aiming to expand globally, and presented results of recent WIPO market research and digital outreach initiatives in Viet Nam that were supported by FIT Japan Industrial Property Global.
They also showcased tools available for online management of international trademark registrations and presented the Madrid System's digital gateway, eMadrid. IP Office representatives provided detailed accounts of procedures within their respective offices.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong Lien, co-founder and CEO of Sao Thai Duong Joint Stock Company, shared a compelling user perspective, recounting her company's journey using the Madrid System. A panel discussion on practical insights and challenges followed.
The event served as an excellent information and exchange platform for Madrid System users.
