The campaign, from May 7 to May 30, is focused on dismantling high-traffic websites and organizations operating online copyright-infringing platforms. Violations involving films, music, video games, industrial property rights, and counterfeit goods have been strictly dealt with.
Major changes
Strengthening copyright protection paves the way for legitimate creators and honest investment. As part of the campaign, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has instructed market surveillance forces to intensify inspections, supervision, and strictly handle violations, particularly industrial property infringement and counterfeiting of trademarked goods.
The Ministry aims to increase the number of cases handled by at least 20% compared with May last year.
Nguyen Thanh Binh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, said: “The Ministry of Industry and Trade has assigned our Department, particularly market surveillance agencies, to intensify inspections during May and the following months. The reports will emphasize counterfeit goods and intellectual property infringements, particularly in major urban hotspots where enforcement efforts will be concentrated. The Ministry has also included amendments to the Market Surveillance Ordinance in its 2027 legislative agenda.”
As part of the intensified campaign against intellectual property violations along maritime, aviation, and border trade routes, the Ministry of Finance has instructed customs authorities to coordinate closely with relevant agencies in strengthening inspections of import and export goods.
Customs officers are authorized to suspend clearance procedures due to clear evidence of intellectual property rights infringement .
Dang Thanh Dung, Deputy Head of the Anti-Smuggling and Trade Fraud Investigation Division at the Customs Department, said: “The Ministry of Finance and the Customs Department have vigorously implemented measures targeting illegal transshipment, counterfeit goods, and intellectual property infringements. We are determined that in May alone, the number of handled cases involving counterfeit goods and IP violations will increase by at least 20%.”
In cyberspace, numerous websites have ceased operations, and several online platforms have publicly announced their commitment to complying with Vietnamese law.
A reflection of modern governance
Vietnam is no longer operating within the legal gray areas of intellectual property rights. In recent years, administrative and criminal penalties of digital copyright violations have increased. The dismantling of illegal networks and the criminal prosecution of platform operators demonstrates a shift in enforcement strategy from primarily administrative sanctions to tougher action against large-scale operations.
This nationwide campaign sends a strong message about creating a level playing field for law-abiding businesses and legitimate enterprises, and reflects a broader transformation in the Government’s approach to managing copyright-infringing content in the digital environment. Whereas enforcement in the past was largely reactive, case-by-case, and heavily dependent on complaints from rights holders, authorities are now moving toward a more proactive, centralized, campaign-based model of governance.
The Government’s direct involvement underscores that copyright protection is no longer viewed solely as the responsibility of individual ministries or agencies, but as an integral part of Vietnam’s broader strategy for developing the digital economy and improving the investment environment. Vietnam’s more assertive enforcement of intellectual property rights is expected to strengthen international investor confidence in Vietnam’s technology and digital content markets.
