ASL LAW - Legal advice on Doing business in Vietnam, ASEAN and 22 countries, 12th Floor, Tower 319 , 63 Le Van Luong Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Hanoi (2026)

24/08/2026

ENERGY PROJECTS IN VIETNAM: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND LONG-TERM INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Entering 2026, the energy sector continues to play a strategic role in Vietnam’s economic development. Rising electricity demand, greenhouse gas reduction targets, sustainable development commitments, and the transition toward clean energy are creating new opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors.

However, alongside strong growth potential, energy projects in Vietnam are also subject to an increasingly developed legal framework, with requirements relating to investment, planning, environment, land, grid connection, and operation. Understanding the regulatory landscape and building an appropriate investment strategy are therefore critical to the successful implementation of energy projects.

Key issues investors and businesses should consider include:

✅ Long-term investment opportunities are expanding in wind power, solar power, biomass energy, energy storage, green hydrogen, and new energy technologies;

✅ Investors should carefully review regulations on investment, power planning, land, construction, environmental protection, grid connection, fire prevention and fighting, technical safety, and other sector-specific requirements;

✅ Power purchase arrangements, investor selection mechanisms, project contracts, and operational compliance obligations should be assessed from the early planning stage;

✅ Approval and licensing procedures for energy projects usually involve multiple steps, various competent authorities, and comprehensive legal, technical, and environmental documentation;

✅ Investors should conduct full legal due diligence, assess project feasibility, select appropriate technologies, and develop ESG management plans throughout the project lifecycle.

In the long term, Vietnam’s energy sector is expected to remain one of the key drivers of economic growth. For investors and businesses, careful preparation in legal, financial, and strategic planning will be essential to capturing investment opportunities and creating sustainable value in Vietnam’s fast-growing energy market.

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21/08/2026

INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK REGISTRATION FROM VIETNAM: OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND INTO GLOBAL MARKETS

As Vietnamese businesses increasingly expand through exports, e-commerce, franchising, licensing, and international partnerships, protecting trademarks overseas has become an essential step before entering new markets. Registering a trademark only in Vietnam may not be sufficient if the brand is already being used or promoted across borders.

International trademark registration allows businesses to secure legal protection in target jurisdictions, reduce the risk of trademark squatting, support cross-border distribution, and strengthen the commercial value of the brand in global expansion strategies.

Key issues businesses should consider include:

✅ Businesses should identify target markets early, prioritizing countries where they plan to export, distribute, franchise, license, or sell through e-commerce platforms;

✅ The Madrid System may provide an efficient route for seeking trademark protection in multiple countries through a single international application;

✅ Direct national filing may be more suitable for important markets with specific legal requirements, higher refusal risks, or the need for a tailored filing strategy;

✅ Trademark clearance searches should be conducted before filing to reduce the risk of conflicts with prior rights, oppositions, or refusals;

✅ International trademark protection should be combined with monitoring, renewal management, and enforcement actions to preserve brand value over time.

For Vietnamese businesses, international trademark registration is not merely an administrative procedure. It is a strategic tool to protect brand assets, support market entry, prevent brand misappropriation, and build long-term competitiveness in global markets.

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20/08/2026

DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN VIETNAM: EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS TO PROTECT BUSINESS INTERESTS

Commercial disputes are an inevitable part of doing business, especially in an increasingly interconnected and competitive economy. Contract breaches, shareholder disagreements, payment disputes, construction claims, intellectual property conflicts, and cross-border commercial issues can significantly affect business operations if they are not managed effectively.

In Vietnam, businesses have access to multiple dispute resolution mechanisms that can help protect legal rights, preserve commercial relationships, and minimize financial losses when applied strategically.

Key issues businesses should consider include:

✅ Strategic dispute resolution should begin before a dispute formally arises, through contract management systems, accurate documentation, internal compliance procedures, and early dispute prevention mechanisms;

✅ Each dispute should be assessed based on legal merits, commercial objectives, financial implications, business relationships, and reputational concerns before selecting a resolution strategy;

✅ Early communication, structured negotiations, and timely legal assessments may help prevent conflicts from escalating into costly proceedings;

✅ Alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, and commercial arbitration can provide greater flexibility, confidentiality, and efficiency than traditional litigation;

✅ Businesses should also preserve evidence, monitor contractual performance, protect confidential information, safeguard intellectual property, and consider enforcement issues throughout the dispute resolution process.

For businesses operating in Vietnam, dispute resolution should not be treated only as a reaction after conflict arises. A proactive and structured legal strategy can help reduce disruption, protect business assets, preserve valuable relationships, and support long-term commercial stability.

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19/08/2026

OUTSOURCED LEGAL SERVICES IN VIETNAM: AN INEVITABLE TREND FOR MODERN BUSINESSES

As Vietnam’s business environment is increasingly shaped by continuous legal changes, digital transformation, and growing compliance requirements, many companies are moving from maintaining a full in-house legal department to using outsourced legal services. This model is not only a cost-effective solution, but also allows businesses to access experienced legal professionals across multiple practice areas.

For modern businesses, outsourced legal services are no longer limited to handling legal issues after they arise. They can support corporate strategy, contract review, risk control, compliance management, and sustainable business development.

Key issues businesses should consider include:

✅ Outsourced legal services allow companies to obtain legal support based on actual business needs without maintaining a costly in-house legal team;

✅ Businesses can receive support in areas such as corporate establishment, commercial contracts, investment, labor, tax, intellectual property, dispute resolution, legal compliance, and risk management;

✅ This model is suitable for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, foreign-invested companies, and corporations operating across multiple sectors;

✅ Long-term cooperation with external legal counsel helps businesses build proactive legal risk management systems rather than reacting only after problems occur;

✅ Technology, artificial intelligence, and electronic document management platforms are making outsourced legal services faster, more transparent, and more efficient.

In the long run, outsourced legal services should not be viewed merely as a way to solve legal problems. They can become a strategic partner that helps businesses strengthen competitiveness, ensure legal compliance, and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly integrated business environment.

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17/08/2026

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT IN VIETNAM: RECENT NOTABLE LEGAL CHANGES

As Vietnam’s labor market continues to evolve from 2026 onwards, businesses are required not only to improve HR management efficiency but also to keep pace with new legal developments to ensure compliance. Recent changes relating to labor relations, employment contracts, wages, social insurance, occupational safety, employee data management, and dispute resolution are directly affecting both domestic enterprises and foreign-invested businesses in Vietnam.

For employers, staying updated on labor and employment regulations is no longer a purely administrative matter. It is an essential part of risk management, workforce planning, and sustainable business development.

Key issues businesses should consider include:

✅ Companies should regularly review employment contracts, internal labor regulations, wage policies, disciplinary procedures, and HR policies to ensure consistency with current legal requirements;

✅ Regulations on working hours, rest periods, occupational safety and health, social insurance, unemployment insurance, vocational training, confidentiality, and employee rights should be carefully managed;

✅ Employee data governance is becoming increasingly important as businesses adopt digital tools for recruitment, attendance management, performance evaluation, and HR administration;

✅ Employers should strengthen workplace equality, prevent workplace harassment, and maintain effective dialogue mechanisms between employers and employees;

✅ Failure to update internal policies in line with legal changes may lead to labor disputes, administrative penalties, increased compliance costs, and reputational risks.

In the long term, proactive labor law compliance can help businesses build a professional workplace, improve employee engagement, reduce dispute-related costs, and enhance competitiveness in Vietnam and international markets.

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14/08/2026

FINANCE AND BANKING IN VIETNAM: TRENDS AND NEW REGULATIONS 2026

Vietnam’s financial sector is entering a period of significant transformation, driven by regulatory tightening, digitalization, stronger compliance oversight, and the development of modern financial services. These changes affect not only banks and financial institutions, but also foreign investors, fintech companies, corporate borrowers, and businesses operating in Vietnam.

For businesses, understanding Vietnam’s finance and banking trends in 2026 is essential to manage regulatory risks, structure cross-border financing, comply with reporting obligations, and adapt to the increasingly digital compliance environment.

Key issues businesses should consider include:

✅ Anti-money laundering compliance is becoming stricter, with enhanced customer due diligence, suspicious transaction monitoring, risk-based compliance frameworks, and digital reporting requirements;

✅ Foreign institutional investors should pay closer attention to pre-funding rules, settlement security, and coordination among custodial banks, securities companies, and offshore investment funds;

✅ Offshore loan registration is moving toward digitalization, requiring enterprises to submit loan registration and reporting documents through centralized online platforms;

✅ Administrative penalties in the monetary and banking sector are being strengthened, particularly for violations involving AML reporting, foreign exchange, offshore loans, and prudential requirements;

✅ Financial institutions and enterprises should update internal compliance manuals, staff training programs, transaction monitoring systems, and reporting procedures to align with the new regulatory environment.

As Vietnam continues to modernize its financial and banking framework, compliance should no longer be treated as a back-office formality. It should be part of corporate risk management, investment planning, cross-border financing strategy, and long-term business governance.

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________________________________________________________
Contact us now for consultation on business law and intellectual property
Hotline: (+84) 98 268 2122
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13/08/2026

TRADEMARK REGISTRATION IN VIETNAM: KEY STRATEGIES TO STRENGTHEN AND PROTECT YOUR BRAND

As competition intensifies in Vietnam, trademark protection has become a critical priority for both domestic and foreign businesses. A trademark is no longer just a sign of identification; it is a strategic commercial asset that supports brand recognition, customer trust, market expansion, and long-term business value.

For businesses operating in Vietnam, an effective trademark strategy should begin before launching products or services. Early trademark searches, timely registration, proper classification, and continuous monitoring can help reduce legal risks, prevent infringement, and protect brand equity in a competitive market.

Key issues businesses should consider include:

✅ Conducting trademark clearance searches before filing can help avoid conflicts with earlier rights and reduce the risk of refusal;

✅ Businesses should register distinctive brand elements early, including names, logos, slogans, product lines, and other signs used in commerce;

✅ Trademark specifications should accurately reflect the company’s current and planned business activities to ensure sufficient protection;

✅ Post-registration monitoring is essential to detect unauthorized use, counterfeit products, and bad-faith filings;

✅ Trademark protection can support licensing, franchising, investment, business expansion, and cross-border commercial strategies.

For businesses in Vietnam, trademark registration should not be treated as a one-time administrative procedure. It should be part of a broader intellectual property strategy aimed at strengthening brand value, protecting market position, and building long-term competitive advantages.

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________________________________________________________
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12/08/2026

CANADA IMPOSES 25% TEMPORARY SAFEGUARD MEASURE ON IMPORTED WOODEN CABINETS AND VANITIES

On July 31, 2026, the Canadian Minister of Finance and National Revenue announced the imposition of a temporary safeguard measure in the form of a 25% surtax on the value for duty of certain imported wooden cabinets and vanities. The measure took effect on July 31, 2026 and will remain in place for a maximum period of 200 days, expected to run until mid-February 2027.

In parallel with the temporary measure, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal is conducting a formal safeguard investigation into certain wood products, including wooden cabinets, vanities, hardwood flooring, and cabinets made of processed wood. The investigation was initiated in April 2026 and is expected to be completed by January 15, 2027.

Key issues Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters should consider include:

✅ The temporary measure applies to certain cabinets and vanities made wholly or partly of wood, including solid wood, engineered wood, particleboard, fiberboard, plywood, and bamboo;

✅ The scope also covers accompanying assembled components such as frames, cabinet boxes, doors, drawers, backs, and end panels, regardless of whether the products are finished, assembled, or imported in flat-pack or ready-to-assemble form;

✅ The main relevant HS codes include 9403.40.00.10; 9403.60.10.31; 9403.60.10.39; and 9403.91.00.90;

✅ Vietnam is not included in the list of exempted countries. Accordingly, in-scope goods originating in Vietnam will be subject to the 25% surtax from July 31, 2026;

✅ For shipments that were already in transit to Canada before July 31, 2026, businesses may be exempt from the surtax if they can demonstrate the shipment date through appropriate supporting documents such as bills of lading, declarations, and cargo control documents.

For Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters, this measure may directly affect pricing, competitiveness, existing orders, and export plans to Canada. Businesses should review HS classifications, determine whether their products fall within the scope of the measure, assess the impact of the 25% surtax, prepare documentation for in-transit shipments, and closely monitor developments in the Canadian safeguard investigation.

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________________________________________________________
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11/08/2026

VIETNAM ISSUES NEW EXPORTER REVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE FOR WOOD FIBERBOARD PRODUCTS

The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has issued an investigation questionnaire for foreign producers and exporters in the new exporter review concerning anti-dumping measures imposed on certain wood fiberboard products. The review is conducted under Case No. NR01.AD21.

Previously, on 17 July 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision No. 1784/QD-BCT initiating the new exporter review. The product scope, review contents, and review period are specified in this decision and its accompanying notice.

Key issues foreign producers and exporters should consider include:

✅ The questionnaire is intended to collect information and data for assessing production and export activities and determining an appropriate anti-dumping duty rate for the new exporter covered by the review;

✅ The deadline for submitting questionnaire responses is 9 September 2026, Hanoi time;

✅ Companies should carefully review all instructions, prepare supporting documents, and submit complete responses in the prescribed form by the deadline;

✅ Relevant foreign producers and exporters should register as interested parties and cooperate fully with the investigating authority throughout the review;

✅ If a response is not submitted by the deadline, or if the information provided is inaccurate or incomplete, the investigating authority may use facts available under Article 75 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, which may result in an adverse outcome;

✅ For documents for which confidential treatment is requested, companies must provide a public version or non-confidential summary in accordance with the authority’s requirements.

For companies involved in Case No. NR01.AD21, submitting a complete, accurate, and timely questionnaire response is essential. It provides the investigating authority with a sufficient basis to consider and determine an appropriate individual anti-dumping duty rate for the new exporter.

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10/08/2026

PROPERTY DISPUTES WITH AND WITHOUT A WILL IN VIETNAM

Inheritance property disputes are among the most common and complex civil disputes in Vietnam, especially as the value of assets such as land use rights, residential houses, and business assets continues to increase. These disputes affect not only the rights and interests of heirs, but also family relationships and social stability.

Under the 2015 Civil Code, inheritance may take place through two principal mechanisms: testate succession, where a valid will exists, and intestate succession, where there is no valid will and the estate is distributed according to the statutory order of inheritance. In both cases, disputes may arise over the validity of the will, the identification of heirs, the scope of the estate, compulsory inheritance rights, or the management of estate assets.

Key issues individuals, families, and businesses should consider include:

✅ Where there is a will, disputes often concern testamentary capacity, coercion, formal validity, handwriting, signatures, or signs of alteration and forgery;

✅ Even where a valid will exists, Vietnamese law protects certain compulsory heirs, including parents, spouses, minor children, and children who are unable to work;

✅ Determining the scope of the estate can be complex, especially where assets involve marital property, land use rights, business assets, or property acquired during marriage;

✅ Where there is no valid will, heirs within the same order of succession are generally entitled to equal shares of the estate, but disputes may arise over blood relationships, adoptive relationships, marital status, or de facto family relationships;

✅ The statute of limitations for requesting estate distribution is 30 years for immovable property and 10 years for movable property from the time succession commences.

Inheritance disputes are often prolonged due to unclear documentation, long-term joint management of assets, family conflicts, and the increasing value of land and business property. For families and asset owners in Vietnam, proper estate planning, clear documentation, and timely legal advice can help reduce uncertainty, protect legitimate rights, and preserve family stability.

👉 Read the full analysis in the comments.
________________________________________________________
Contact us now for consultation on business law and intellectual property
Hotline: (+84) 98 268 2122
Website: aslgate.com
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/68020672

ASL LAW - Legal advice on Doing business in Vietnam, ASEAN and 22 countries

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