The Relationship Between Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Economic Development in Vietnam

This study examines the relationship between intellectual property rights and economic development in Vietnam. Through Doi-Moi reform period, which is from mid to late 1980, Vietnam has made significant strides in transforming its economy to the adoption of free-market principles. The reforms implemented aimed to establish property rights protection, recognize private ownership, and provide a legal framework to protect these rights. In Vietnam, land-use rights are of utmost importance for individuals and businesses entering the market, particularly due to the country’s historical reliance on agriculture. However, there is a growing alarm regarding the potential loss of highly skilled individuals, such as intellectuals, scientists, researchers, and creative professionals like musicians. This event happened due to their works and creations not being protected enough by law, specifically intellectual property rights laws. Currently, the framework surrounding intellectual property rights in Vietnam is relatively loose and it lacks enforcement measures, leading to minimal protection and enforcement of these rights. Intellectual property rights laws reform is also one of the three focus areas of the 2023 Vietnam government considering law reforms. Therefore, as discussion and analysis of historical and future relationship between property rights and economic development in Vietnam, this study will investigate these two rights’ development based on main events and released new laws with the shifting in economic situation associated with Covid-19 or potential global or regional conflicts.