Raising awareness of intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) refers to the creation and protection of brands and trademarks for products developed by individuals, businesses, and cooperatives. It is safeguarded by the state through the registration of names, trademarks, and brand identities. In today’s competitive landscape, IP plays a crucial role in production and business activities. As a result, individuals, businesses, and cooperatives in the province are increasingly focusing on leveraging IP to boost economic growth, enhance their capacities, and build strong, competitive products for both domestic and international markets.

In recent years, alongside the efforts of stakeholders, the province has placed strong emphasis on building IP for local specialty products with unique advantages. It has actively supported enterprises and cooperatives in registering protection for their goods. Notable examples include Doan Hung grapefruit, Hung Lo rice noodles, green tea, Hung Long early-ripening lychee, Thuy Tram red carp, multi-spur chicken, and Muong Kit oranges and tangerines.

The orange variety cultivated by the Muong Kit Fruit and Medicinal Plant Cooperative in Kiet Son Commune, Tan Son District, yields high economic efficiency.

Tan Son District, a mountainous region located in the southwestern part of the province, offers favorable soil and climate conditions for cultivating fruit trees such as oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, and four-season lemons. In 2024, the district will have a total of 160 hectares dedicated to intensive orange and tangerine farming, with Kiet Son Commune accounting for 60 hectares—equivalent to 37.5% of the district’s total citrus area.

“Muong Kit” oranges and tangerines are grown on gentle mountain slopes in a cool climate, producing large, round, glossy yellow fruits with golden pulp and rich sweetness. When peeled, they emit a distinctive aroma. These characteristics have made them an economically viable crop, contributing significantly to local income and agricultural restructuring.

Recognizing their potential, the Department of Science and Technology approved the project titled “Creating, Managing, and Developing the Collective Brand ‘Muong Kit’ for Orange and Tangerine Products in Tan Son District.” Led by the Muong Kit Fruit and Medicinal Plant Cooperative in Kiet Son Commune, the project aims to unlock the full value of the district’s high-potential agricultural products. After two years of implementation, the collective trademark “Muong Kit” has been successfully registered. Basic product standards, a geographical area map, and a model for VietGAP-compliant cultivation have also been established.

When products are protected by the state, it helps prevent counterfeiting and imitation while simplifying dispute resolution over names and trademarks. IP protection also fosters consumer trust—especially in today’s marketplace, where buyers are highly informed and pay close attention to product origins and authenticity.

Many products have significantly increased in value and market presence following IP protection. A prime example is Hung Lo rice noodles—one of the province’s few 5-star OCOP-rated products. These noodles are now protected by intellectual property rights and have proven highly competitive in the domestic noodle market.

Hung Lo rice noodles are packaged in various designs to suit a wide range of consumers.

Mr. Cao Dang Duy, Director of the Hung Lo Rice Noodle Cooperative in Hung Lo Commune, Viet Tri City, shared, “After receiving IP protection, the value of our products increased by 1.5 to 2 times compared to before. It helped build consumer trust, meet food safety and quality standards, qualify for supermarket distribution, and open up export opportunities. Currently, Hung Lo rice noodles are well established in major supermarket chains, retail outlets, and grocery stores nationwide.”

In addition, the product is actively promoted and sold via e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and giaothuong.net.vn. In 2022, Hung Lo rice noodles met the strict requirements of international markets and were successfully exported to Japan—opening doors for this traditional local specialty to reach broader markets.

Another case is My Lung sticky rice, a specialty from My Lung Commune, Yen Lap District. Originally protected under a collective trademark, it has since been upgraded to a geographical indication (GI). My Lung sticky rice is now one of over 120 GI-certified products across 63 provinces and cities nationwide. Prior to protection, the value of the Ga Crow sticky rice variety was low. However, following GI recognition, its value doubled, making it one of the country’s most commercially viable sticky rice varieties.

Individuals, businesses, and cooperatives actively participate in intellectual property training courses organized by the Department of Science and Technology.

At an IP training conference, Ms. Chu Thi Bich Thuy—Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology—shared, “Each year, we organize training sessions to provide basic knowledge on intellectual property, as well as guidance on how to utilize and benefit from protected IP, particularly for key and high-potential local products. These efforts aim to raise awareness and accountability among individuals, businesses, and cooperatives—especially during the current period of market integration and the implementation of a two-tier local government system. The department continues to work closely with relevant agencies to support the registration of geographical indications, certification marks, and collective trademarks for key local products and those under the OCOP program.”

IP protection has encouraged producers to improve constantly—enhancing productivity, product quality, and brand identity. Ultimately, it contributes significantly to the province’s socio-economic development.

Vy An