What Are Legal Requirements of Patent Description?

When patent owner registers for their patent, one of the most important documents included in the dossiers is the patent’s description. Patent is a technical solution in the form of a product or process which is intended to solve a problem by application of natural laws. Patent description is very important which is aimed to reveal the nature of a patent for examiner to consider its ability if satisfying the protected conditions. Specifically, patent description must include the description and protection scope.

The description must completely disclose the nature of the technical solution sought to be registered. It must contain sufficient information based on which any person with average skill in the art can deduce the solution and also clarify the novelty, inventive steps and susceptibility of industrial application of the technical solution.

The description includes the following contents:

-Title of the invention, which briefly expresses the object or objects sought to be registered and must be brief and must not be of a promoting or advertising purpose;

-Use field of the patent: the field in which the object is utilized or to which the object is relevant;

-Technical state of the use field of the patent: The technical state of the above mentioned file at the time of;

-Technical nature of the patent: The nature of the object, in which clearly state the signs (characteristics) featuring the object and clearly indicate the signs (characteristics) which is new to those of known similar technical solutions;

-Brief description of attached drawings (if any);

-Detailed description of invention operating variations;

-Detailed description of invention operating variations;

-Benefits (effects) expected to be achieved.

Protection scope or protection claim of the patent:

The protection scope is used for determination the scope of industrial property rights to patent. The protection scope must be presented briefly and clearly in conformity with the description and drawings, making clear signs of novelty of the object sought to be protected and comply with the following regulations:

-The protection scope (claim) must be adequately demonstrated by the description, including prerequisite and sufficient substantial technical signs to identify the object, achieve the set objective and distinguish the object from a known object;

-Technical signs within the protection scope (claim) must be clear, precise and recognizable in the similar art;

-The protection scope (claim) should not invoke the description and drawings, except for invocation to parts that cannot be accurately described with words;

-If the application contains drawings illustrating the protection claim, signs presented in the protection scope (claim) may be accompanied with indication numbers put in brackets. Those indication numbers are not considered confining the protection scope (claim).

-The protection scope (claim) should (is not required to) be expressed in two sections: Restriction and Distinction. The section Restriction covers the title of the object and signs of the object that are identical to those of the latest known object and is connected to the section Distinction by the phrase distinguishable by or characterized by or equivalent expressions. The section Distinction covers signs that distinguish the object from the latest known object and are combined with signs of the section Restriction to constitute the object of protection claim.

-The protection scope (claim) may include one or more than one points. A multi-point protection scope (claim) may be used to present an object sought to be protected, with the first point (called independent point) and subsequent point(s) used to concretize the independent point (called dependent point(s)); or to present a group of objects sought to be protected, with several independent points, each presenting an object sought to be protected in the group. Such an independent point may have dependent point(s);

-A multi-point protection scope (claim) used to present a group of objects must satisfy the following requirements: Independent points presenting different objects must not invoke other points of the protection scope(claim), unless the invocation helps avoid total repetition of the content of another point; dependent points must immediately follow the independent point on which they are dependent.

Besides the description and protection scope, the patent abstract is also a compelled part in the dossier for patent registration. Accordingly, the patent abstract is used to concisely describe (with no more than 150 words) the nature of the patent. The abstract must disclose principal details of the nature of the technical solution for the informatory purpose and may contain typical drawings or formulas.

If the client needs any other information or requires for further advice, our IP attorney in Vietnam at ANT Lawyers, the IP agent in Vietnam will be available for service.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-are-legal-requirements-of-patent-description.html

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Patent Registration under PCT Procedure in Vietnam

Patent Registration under PCT Procedure

Vietnam joined in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) on March 10th 1993 and originations, individuals can register international patent as provided in PCT by filling registration application at National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam (NOIP). NOIP has responsibility to examine and handle the application as provided in PCT.

With highly professional staff and great experience in IP aspect in Vietnam, ANT Lawyers would like to support you in filling international patent under PCT procedure in Vietnam:

Required Document

-03 English written declaration for registration PCT application originating in Vietnam;

-02 Written descriptions including images or drawings (if any) ;

-02 written request of invention protection;

-01 Original Power of Attorney;

-Other related document (if only).

-International Patent registration originating in Vietnam under PCT

Receipt of applications:A registration application of an invention shall be filed in Vietnam, including protection claims in any of the Member Countries of the PCT Treaty (hereinafter referred to as the PCT application originating from Vietnam). The application shall be submitted directly or by mail to the NOIP or the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (hereinafter referred to as the International Bureau)

The international search process: This process shall be conducted at competent authorities (National or regional patent office that meets the requirements set by PCT and be designated by PCT General Assembly). National patent office with PCT application originating in Vietnam is: Intellectual Property office of Australia, Austria, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Korea and the European Patent Office.

Publication of the international application: PCT application originating in Vietnam shall be posted at PCT Gazette.

The international preliminary examination: Conducted by the international preliminary examining authority as provided in PCT. The purpose of examination is to give a preliminary and non – binding opinion whether the invention in the application meets the requirement protection or not. Examining authority shall make a preliminary examining report and send to International Bureau.

National or regional phase: international application shall be examined form and content as regulation of normal patent registration in each nation.

Note:

Applicants must specify which countries they want the international application to take effect.

Each international application is subject to international search to find out the relevant technical status known to provide preliminary and non-compulsory claims on inventions that require novelty, creativity and usefulness. Therefore, the Contracting Party designated for patent protection is entitled to apply the standards of an invention under its domestic law in relation to the known state of the art and other conditions of competence. Patent shall be decided whether to be accepted for the protection based on the application.

If you are looking for experienced IP services in Vietnam to help you with your PCT Patent Application in Vietnam, you should visit ANTLawyers. Our Patent attorneys have experience with the PCT Patent process and will work closely with you as you apply for your PCT in Vietnam.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/legal-service/intellectual-property/patent-registration-under-pct-procedure.html

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How to Protect Invention Patent in Vietnam?

Attention in Drafting Registration Application for Invention in Vietnam

Inventions are created with purpose to people’s life convenience and consequently bring economic benefits to the inventor. As a result, protecting the intellectual property of inventions through patent registration in Vietnam is essential.

However, applicant of invention may find it difficult in declaring some of the information i.e. name of invention, field of use, technical status of field of use, technical nature and brief description while drafting an invention description that meets legal regulations in Vietnam.

To overcome this difficulty, applicant should take note the followings:

Name of the invention: name of inventions and name of inventor should be brief without promotion.

Filed of use: the invention registration application shall demonstrate the filed in which the invention is applied or related.

Technical status of field of use: the technical shall include information of prior known technical solutions until the priority date of the same application.

Technical nature of invention: the technical nature of the invention is the purpose that the invention need to get or technical problem that the invention shall solve to overcome disadvantage or shortage of the same technical solutions declared in “Technical status of field of use” part.

The description of constitutive signs of invention: The description shall declare new signs of the invention.

Brief description with enclosed images (if any): Applicant shall declare and submit clearly the scope of protection invention request in the description. The scope shall be presented briefly, clearly and fix with the description and images as stipulation of law on intellectual property.

With professional staff and vast experience in Intellectual Property aspect in Vietnam, ANT Lawyers - As a law firm in Vietnam could support inventor in advising and drafting dossier to request patent protection in Vietnam.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/update/attention-in-drafting-registration-application-for-invention.html

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The Benefit from Protecting Invention Patent

The Benefit from Protecting Invention Patent

Invention protection shall bring advantages for the owner of invention including the usage and application within the duration of 20 years. As Law on intellectual property of Vietnam, an invention patent shall be valid from the grant date until the end of twenty (20) years after the filing date.

Besides, Invention patent can bring its owner the followings:

The steady position on the market: with the invention patent, the owner of the invention shall have rights to prevent others from using their invention with commercial purpose. This will reduce the competitive capacity of competitors and bring preferred position for the owner.

Right to sell and license the invention: in case owners of inventions cannot use their invention by themselves, they can sell or license the use of their inventions to other people or companies. They can license only the right of use and sell all of their inventions. This does not only bring them a lot benefits but also avoid risks because of the competition on the market.

When your inventions have been commercialized and got the significant position on the market, other companies or people might tend to copy and use your invention illegally or sell other products which are similar to yours. If your inventions were not properly registered at competent authority, the competitors and violators can use your inventions without breaching of law.

Therefore, it is essential to register a new invention to protect the owner’s rights to avoid unfair competition on the market.

If you are looking for experienced IP services in Vietnam to help you with your IP application, you should visit ANTLawyers. Our attorneys have experience with the IP process and will work closely with you as you apply for your IP.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/intellectual-property-law/the-benefit-from-protecting-invention-patent.html

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Patent Registration Procedures in Vietnam

Patent ownership of an invention or a utility is only established by the registration procedure, and in accordance with the scope of protection defined in each patent in Vietnam.

Once a dispute arisen, without other evidences, the patent is the only and the most important proof to prove the ownership. Therefore, it is advised that filing a patent for an invention or a utility model shall be a prior prevention of an infringement.

Under the laws on Intellectual Property of Vietnam:

“Invention” means a technical solution in the form of a product or process which is intended to solve a problem by application of natural laws.

Unless an invention is common knowledge, it shall be protected in the form of the grant of a utility solution patent (or a utility model) when it satisfies the following conditions:

-It is novel

-And it is susceptible of industrial application.

With highly professional staff and great experience in IP aspect in Vietnam, ANT Lawyers would like to support you to register patent in Vietnam on an invention or a utility.

1. Our services in Patent for invention and Utility model

Our services in Patent field include:

-Searching, provision of professional opinions and advice in relation to registering ability of Patent/Utility model;

-Preparation, drafting the description and necessary documents, filing and prosecution of applications Patent/Utility model;

-Maintenance;

-Amendment;

-License;

-Assignment;

-Opposition against proceedings;

-Appeal;

-Cancellation;

-Invalidation;

2. How to file a patent in Vietnam

Inventors or Organizations or individuals who have supplied funds and material facilities to inventors in the form of job assignment or hiring have the right to file patent application in Vietnam.

An invention shall be protected in Vietnam when it satisfies the following conditions:

-Novelty;

-Inventive step;

-Industrial applicability;

3. Required information and documents

For the purpose of filling the patent application in Vietnam, the following documents will be required:

-Full name and address of applicant(s);

-Full name, address and nationality of inventor(s).

-Original Power of Attorney (POA) from the Applicant(s)

-Copy of the description, drawings and abstract of the patent application in English (in Word format) and/or the amended description, claims (if any);

-Certified document for claiming priority right (if any).

Note: The POA must be signed by the applicant or a duly authorized representative on behalf of the Applicant and no further notarization or legalization is required.

4. Patent Examination Procedure

The patent application will be examined by National Office of Intellectual Property of Viet Nam (NOIP) with Patent Examination Procedure as below:

-Formality examination: Under Intellectual Property Law of Vietnam, the above application will be examined as to form within one [01] month as from the filing date or date entering the national phase. If the invention application meets the requirements as to form, the NOIP will issue a decision of formality acceptance and then the application will be further processed. Publication of the Patent Application is within 02 months from publication date of 19 months from priority date.

-Substantive Examination: Substantive Examination does not automatically proceed from filing, and the applicant must request for substantive examination by 42 months from the priority date, or by 36 months if the request is for a utility model, otherwise the application will be considered as withdrawn.

-Notification of the Substantive Examination Results.

-The Decision of Refusal or Request to pay fee.

-Issuing the Patent of Invention.

5. Patent Term and Maintenance

Invention patents shall each have a validity starting from the grant date and expiring at the end of 20 years after the filing date. The owner of a Patent for Invention or Patent for Utility Model is required to pay annuity fees in order to maintain its validity.

If you are looking for experienced IP services in Vietnam to help you with your IP application, you should visit ANTLawyers. Our attorneys have experience with the IP process and will work closely with you as you apply for your IP.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/patent-registration-procedures-in-vietnam.html

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Real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam discuss land disputes

Real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam discuss land disputes

In Vietnam, land disputes, real estate disputes, and property disputes are among the most complicated disputes that frequently arise in everyday life. Settling these sorts of debates could take time and the land question legal counselor in Vietnam could assist with distinguishing the underlying drivers and propose reasonable methodology for mollification and settlement.

‍What types of land disputes in Vietnam?

Land, real estate, and property disputes typically involve high stakes and a wide range of topics, including disputes over land use rights, ownership of property tied to land use rights, rights to land use rights derived from inheritance, property division disputes during divorce, disputes over transfer and transformation transactions, leasing, subleasing, and mortgages tied to property or land use rights.

What are land disputes in Vietnam?

A land use right dispute is a disagreement between two or more parties in a land use right relationship regarding the rights and responsibilities of land users.

What should the parties do to resolve a dispute over land? There are two ways in which a land dispute can be resolved: in court or through settlement procedures at state administrative agencies.

Firstly, for some sort of land questions, placation strategy at commune-level People’s Committee of the locality a where the contested land is found is obligatory condition and method.

Specifically, on the off chance that placation by parties can't be accomplished, the gatherings might send a request for pacification to he commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the contested land is found.

When a petition for resolving a land dispute is received by the commune-level People's Committees, the conciliation process must be completed within 45 days. Only when all of the disputing parties are present can the conciliation take place. On the off chance that any of the questioning gatherings is missing for the subsequent time, the appeasement will be viewed as ineffective.

The following two cases will be used to settle the land dispute in the event that conciliation at a commune-level People's Committee fails:

-The land, first and foremost, debate in which the party has an endorsement or any of the papers recommended in Article 100 of Land regulation and the disagreement regarding resources connected to land will be settled by People’s Court.

Second, in the case of a land dispute in which neither party possesses the aforementioned documents, the parties have a choice between the following two approaches to settlement: recording a composed solicitation for question settlement with a competent People’s Committee or documenting a claim with a competent People’s Court in accordance with the law on civil procedures.

In the second case, the chairperson of the competent People’s Committee is in charge of resolving disputes between households, individuals, and communities when the party chooses to settle at a competent People's Committee. In accordance with the law governing administrative procedures, the parties can either file a claim with the chairperson of the provincial-level People's Committee or sue in a People's Court if they are dissatisfied with the settlement decision.

In the event that one party is an association, a strict establishment, an abroad Vietnamese or an unfamiliar contributed undertaking, the executive of the common level People’s Committee is liable for the settlement. In accordance with the law governing administrative procedures, the parties have the right to file a claim with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment or a lawsuit with a People's Court if they are dissatisfied with the settlement decision.

It ought to be noticed that the lawfully compelling choice on question settlement should be completely maintained the gatherings. Assuming the gatherings neglect to go along, the choice will be authorized.

The following grounds shall be the basis for the settlement of land disputes in which the disputing parties do not possess a certificate or any of the documents required by the Land Law or the Decree detailing a number of articles of the Land Law:

-The disputing parties' evidence regarding the land's origin and use process;

-Actual land areas that are currently occupied by the parties in addition to the land area that is in dispute and the average land area that is shared by each household in the area;

-Conformity of the disputed land's current use status with land use plans that have been approved by competent state agencies;

-Particular treatment arrangements toward people with worthy administrations to the State; Land use rights recognition, lease, and allocation regulations.

How real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam could help?

The people of Vietnam do not own  land. Land use rights can only be purchased and sold. As previously stated, the complexity of Vietnam's land law and related regulations, as well as the country's long-standing culture of land use, could complicate disputes involving real estate, land, and property.

A mandatory condition and procedure for some kinds of land disputes is that they must be resolved at the commune-level People's Committee of the locality where the disputed land is located. The parties to other kinds of property and real estate disputes could immediately file a claim with the court. It might be difficult to differentiate between dispute resolution methods. In order to avoid or resolve a dispute, it is recommended to consult a real estate dispute lawyer in Vietnam for early guidance and representation.

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How Trademark Licensing in Vietnam Works?

How Trademark Licensing in Vietnam Works?

Vietnam's intellectual property law governs the licensing of industrial property subjects in general and trademarks in particular. As a result, when a trademark is licensed in Vietnam, the owner (the licensor) grants permission to another party (the licensee) to use the trademark in Vietnam under terms and conditions that have been mutually agreed upon.

The nature and quality of the products or services associated with the trademark are still under the control of the licensor.

Quality control is the most important aspect of trademark licensing in Vietnam because buyers expect consistent quality from trademarked goods or services regardless of where they are purchased or used.

To avoid disputes in trademark licensing in Vietnam, permission must be granted in writing.

What are the advantages of trademark licensing in Vietnam?

Trademark licensing in Vietnam could bring great advantages as following:

• Additional revenue
• Territorial expansion
• Benefits from others’ manufacturing, sales, distribution, marketing skills
• New channels of distribution
• Discontinued marks
• Strategic partnerships
• Convert a trademark infringer into a partner
• Increase consumer recognition and advertising

Forms of trademark licenses in Vietnam

Trademark licensing in Vietnam may take the following forms:

• Franchising
• Merchandising
• Brand extension
• Co-branding
• Components or ingredient branding
• Standards

What kinds of contracts exist for trademark licensing in Vietnam?

Licensing of trademark includes the following types: Exclusive contract, Non-exclusive contract, Sub-license contract.

-First, an exclusive contract is one in which the licensee has exclusive use of the licensed trademark within the scope and duration of the licensing agreement, while the licensor is prohibited from using the licensed trademark without the licensee's permission.

-Second, a non-exclusive contract is one in which the licensor retains the right to use the trademark and enter into a non-exclusive trademark license agreement with others within the scope and duration of the licensing agreement.

-Thirdly, trademark sub-license contract mean an agreement under which the licensor is a licensee of the option to utilize such brand name as per another agreement.

What is included in the Vietnam trademark licensing contract?

In a the agreements, having the accompanying contents is required: complete names and addresses of the licensor and of the licensee; reasons for licenses; type of contract; scope of licensing, including territorial and use right restrictions; contract duration price of a license; rights and responsibilities of the licensee and licensor. To deal with potential disputes that may arise between parties during the execution of trademark licensing in Vietnam, it is essential to establish regulations regarding the dispute resolution process for trademark licensing.

The parties must also consider the legality of this contract in addition to the aforementioned provisions. In contrast to assignment contracts for trademarks in Vietnam, where they must be registered at the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam before they can take effect, licensing contracts for trademarks do not require such registration. When the licensor loses its trademark rights, the licensing agreement will automatically end.

Our Intellectual Property attorney can assist the client with any additional inquiries or requests for legal counsel regarding trademark licensing in Vietnam or a dispute in trademark licensing contract.

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Languages in Arbitration Proceedings in Vietnam

What are Languages in Arbitration Proceedings in Vietnam?

Article 10 of the Vietnam Law on Commercial Arbitration says that if both parties are Vietnamese, the language used in arbitration proceedings to settle a dispute is Vietnamese, or a language agreed upon by both parties if one of them is a foreign-owned business. Specifically:

Except for disputes in which at least one party is a foreign-invested enterprise, the language of arbitration is Vietnamese for disputes with no foreign component. A dispute party may employ an interpreter if it is unable to speak Vietnamese.

For questions including unfamiliar components or debates to which no less than one party is an unfamiliar contributed undertaking, the gatherings will agree on the language to be utilized in arbitral procedures. The arbitration council will decide on the language to be used in arbitration proceedings if they do not have such an agreement.

Arbitration lawyers in Vietnam can also help clients with a variety of issues, such as choosing an arbitrator, choosing the rules for the arbitration, choosing an ad hoc or institutional arbitration, choosing a location for the arbitration, and getting an arbitral award enforced.

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How Can Foreigners Purchase Real Estate in Vietnam?

How Can Foreigners Purchase Real Estate in Vietnam?

Regulations on foreigners owning real estate in Vietnam are regulated in Civil Code 2015, Law on Land 2013, Law on Housing 2014, Decree no. 99/2015/ND- CP on guidelines the Law on Housing and related documents.

For land, foreign individuals are not qualified to utilize land alloted or rented by the State, perceived land use freedoms, got move of land use privileges. However, a company with foreign capital may have received a land use right transfer, recognized land use rights, or land that has been allocated or leased by the State. Companies with foreign capital that are given land by the state in exchange for the payment of land use taxes in order to carry out investment projects related to the construction of houses that can be sold or leased out.

For housing, the following foreign individuals are eligible for homeownership in Vietnam: foreign companies that, in accordance with this Law and its regulations, invest in the construction of project-based housing in Vietnam; unfamiliar contributed ventures, branches, agent workplaces of unfamiliar endeavors, unfamiliar contributed assets and parts of unfamiliar banks working in Vietnam (hereinafter alluded to as unfamiliar association); people from other countries who are permitted to enter Vietnam.

Foreign companies can become homeowners in Vietnam if they invest in the construction of project-based housing in accordance with the provisions of this Law and the applicable legal regulations; or on the other hand purchase, lease and buy, get, or acquire business lodging remembering condos and separate houses for the task for lodging development, with the exception of regions under administration connecting with public guard and security as endorsed in guidelines of the Public authority.

The house cannot be purchased by a foreign company; it can only be sold or offered to another company that is eligible to own housing in Vietnam in the following situations: an unfamiliar association or individual gets a house as a legacy or a gift which is situated in a space in which unfamiliar substances should not claim houses, or the amount of which surpasses as far as possible; a foreign individual or organization that is not permitted to enter Vietnam receives a gift or inheritance in the form of a house in Vietnam.

For explicit circumstances, to stay away from future debate in house proprietorship emerged from the buy, rent of property, house, land from the state, engineer or other dealer, or lessor the client must check with property legal advisors for qualification, conditions and other significant issues.

How real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam could help?

Our real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam represent real estate buyers, investors, landlords and tenants in the negotiation, acquisition of residential apartments, houses, tenant leases of office, industrial, retail and other commercial space. When encountering dispute, the buyer need to engage real estate dispute lawyers to handle dispute resolution.

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Areas prohibited to set up company in Vietnam

Vietnam encourages investors to set up company in Vietnam

With the public authority's endeavors in working on the venture and business climate, which is good for homegrown financial backers as well as unfamiliar financial backers, Vietnam's monetary, political and social circumstance has consistently stayed stable and accomplished extraordinary advancement, over the course of the time including the post-Coronavirus period, while laying out reciprocal exchange relations with numerous nations the world. In an effort to open up the economy, the government keeps changing its policies to support business development and improve the business environment. Specifically, the public authority resolves to energize unfamiliar financial backers carrying on with work in Vietnam: to start a business, build a factory, or buy shares in a Vietnamese company, or to invest in Vietnam in various sectors that will benefit the economy.

In general, foreign investors are permitted to establish a business and invest in Vietnam. Up until the end of 2022, the capital for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) registered is USD 439 billion, and the FDI attracted in 2022 alone is USD 27,7 billion. In practice, a significant number of them have established businesses in Vietnam and have made substantial investments in manufacturing and production, real estate, energy, technical fields, wholesale and retail product trading, and other related industries.

Areas prohibited to set up company in Vietnam

It should be noted that the following are prohibited areas of business in Vietnam: i) dealing in illegal drugs; ii) minerals and chemicals are traded; iii) exchanging examples of plants and wild creatures; iv) the prostitution industry; v) buying and selling people, tissues, organs, human hatchlings; vi) human cloning-related business practices; vii) exchanging fireworks; viii) Businesses that provide debt collection services, including debt collection services, which were recently added to the prohibited list in the beginning of 2021 due to the negative social impact that debt collection companies in Vietnam have had.

The general requirement for both domestic and international investors is that they are permitted to engage in business investment activities in trades and industries that are not prohibited by law. The remaining trades and industries are divided into conditional and ordinary business lines, with the exception of the trades that are prohibited from business investment. In normal business lines, financial backers can openly enter without boundaries. Interestingly, contingent business lines set conditions that should be met assuming the financial backers wish to join. Understanding the lawful condition to work in a particular industry and business line is the initial step for financial backers to enter the market to set up organization in Vietnam.

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Real Estate Legal Matters in Vietnam

Real Estate Legal Matters in Vietnam

In general, private ownership of land in Vietnam is prohibited because the land belongs to the people and is administered by the State of Vietnam. What then is available to purchase when it comes to real estate? What might the purchaser own? When someone wants to invest in real estate in Vietnam, they need to understand a specific definition, as the question would be posed to real estate dispute lawyers inVietnam.

You may have the right to use land in Vietnam?

According to Vietnamese law, it is permissible to own a right to use land. The means by which foreigners and Vietnamese can lease land from the state are provided by this so-called Land Use Right (LUR) Certificate. The land users are able to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests thanks to this LUR Certificate. The transfer of the seller's rights to use the land and the rights to house ownership are both part of the real estate or house sale. The right to use land can be directly obtained in a variety of ways, including: the state's lease; sublease from a zone developer; transfer from another user of the land; transfer from the state. The legitimate reason for Land and House Law of Vietnam are specified in the Law on Lodging as well as in the Law Ashore. The freedoms and privileges of holders of house possession and the holders of the LUR Testament are gotten comfortable this regulation.

In the house ownership right certificate, the name of the person who owns the house must be written, and their rights include, for example, the right to possess; use; sell; lease; donate; exchange; loan or to allow others to remain briefly in the house. The person who holds the LUR and house possession endorsement is qualified for practice the full scope of freedoms over the land/house. The Certificate of Land Use Right and House Ownership Right (LURC) therefore combines land use rights and ownership of land assets.

Can foreigners buy houses in Vietnam?

However, due to the fact that Vietnamese, overseas Vietnamese, and foreigners do not all have the same rights, the individual or organization that wishes to do so determines the possibilities for acquiring land or houses. In Vietnam, acquiring land or a home was frequently quite challenging, particularly for foreigners. Before 2009, foreigners could only form a joint venture with a Vietnamese company and could not legally acquire property. Yet, the Goal No. 19/2008(ND-QH12) began allowing foreigners to own homes in Vietnam in January 2009, with the requirements that the foreigner 1) be employed by a company that is currently operating in Vietnam and 2) possess at least a temporary residence card in order to purchase and own an apartment unit in Vietnam. The Vietnamese Prime Minister is currently debating whether or not to extend this five-year piloting program, which will come to an end in 2014, in order to support the real estate market and make it more appealing to foreigners.

After the first five years, the government said it would review the pilot policy. The Ministry of Construction also said it would open up the possibility of letting foreigners buy houses regardless of whether they work and do business in Vietnam or want to buy real estate in Vietnam.

It is essential to remain current on all legal modifications and developments given that the real estate situation in Vietnam appears to be approaching a turning point. It is necessary to be aware of these legal circumstances in Vietnam because Vietnamese law has special provisions for every organization or individual who wishes to operate with land and real estates related to House Law.

How real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam could help?

ANT lawyers are aware of the distinctions between Vietnamese and foreign house law provisions and can offer assistance in a variety of projects and matters involving land and houses, including land ownership and house purchase or sale. In addition to assisting clients with the necessary procedures with the Vietnamese authorities, our professionals are able to provide clients with guidance regarding the possibilities and risks associated with Vietnamese real estate and housing laws.

ANT Lawyers, as a reliable law firm in Vietnam always follow up real estate dispute cases and their development to update clients on regular basis.

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New Conditions on Real Estate Purchase and Sale in Vietnam

New Conditions on Real Estate Purchase and Sale in Vietnam

The activities of real estate businesses have a significant impact on socio-economic development. As a result, the government has issued Decree 02/2022/ND-CP (the "Decree") detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Real Estate Business in order to promptly amend and supplement inadequate regulations to be consistent with reality in order to ensure the legal framework for the current real estate business activities. where the terms for the transfer of lease-purchase, purchase-sale, and construction-related contracts are mentioned.

Although there are no regulations regarding the transfer of contracts for the sale of non-residential real estate that will not be formed in the future, there is a high demand on the market for the transfer of purchase and sale contracts, lease-purchase of houses, real estate, and construction works. Consequently, there is no lawful premise to complete these exchanges as a general rule. As a result, Decree 02/2022/ND-CP has undergone a number of modifications and additions, has overcome some limitations compared to the past, and is anticipated to address deficiencies and issues.

As a result, Decree 02/2022/ND-CP combines specific regulations with conditions for the transfer of contracts for the purchase and sale of future homes and lease-purchase contracts for existing homes and construction projects.

First, a legally binding purchase and sale or lease purchase contract is required for the transfer of the contract. Therefore, these contracts must ensure that each transferred real estate object complies with the terms of the transfer agreement form, whether it's a Contract for Sale, Purchase, Lease, and Purchase of an Apartment, Tourist Apartments (Condotel), Office Apartments with Accommodation (Officetel), etc. Also, the signed contract must be present in cases where the parties signed it before Decree 02/2022/ND-CP went into effect. As a result, parties should ensure the legality of their respective contracts in terms of form and date of establishment when transferring these kinds of contracts.

Second, the transfer contract must be in the category that has not yet submitted a request to a competent state agency for the issuance of a certificate of ownership of houses and other land-attached assets, as well as land use rights. This arrangement has been referenced in the past guidelines for the exchange of land contracts shaped from now on. This has remained a necessary regulation up until this point in order to eliminate the possibility of a real estate bearing two or more certificates for the same object and prevent the handling of licensing procedures from overlapping.

Thirdly, there must be no disputes or lawsuits in the contract of sale, purchase, lease-purchase, and construction work. As a result, the disputed contract will not be utilized for transfer. The prohibition against transferring property rights to the disputed property is in line with this provision. Therefore, in order for the parties to have a foundation for the transfer of the contract, they must first settle the dispute. Real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam must be consulted for appropriate dispute resolution in many complex cases.

Fourthly, houses and development works that are the subject of procurement and deal or rent buy contracts should not be dependent upon distraint or home loan to get the presentation of commitments as recommended by regulation. As of late, the peculiarity of moving these agreements has expanded with genuinely disregarded the arrangements of the law, making it hard for pertinent equipped power to deal with, in any case making harms the transferee without grasping the legitimate issues for the transferor in the agreement. Nonetheless, with the rule of regarding the understanding of the gatherings, the law actually permits the task of the agreement for this situation in the event that the mortgagee concurs and this assent should be recorded explicitly to keep away from questions later.

It is evident that the highlight of Decree 02/2022/ND-CP has initially resolved the deficiencies in the transfer contract for office apartments (Officetel) and tourist apartments (Condotel), providing the relevant competent authority with a legal foundation on which to handle the requirements. Additionally, Decree 02/2022/ND-CP has contributed to the development of a more transparent mechanism that enables participants to actively comply with regulations on effective real estate business contracts, thereby reducing contract disputes in Vietnam and fostering a safer and more long-term real estate market there.

ANT Lawyers, as a reliable law firm in Vietnam always follow up real estate dispute cases and their development to update clients on regular basis.

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Setting up Company in Vietnam and Comply

Setting up Company in Vietnam and Comply: Quick Tips for Foreigners

A foreigner moving to a country like Vietnam with business opportunities is attempting to start a business and seize the opportunity. After settling in, the entrepreneur might wonder, "How difficult it is to set up company in Vietnam or how challenging the business environment in Vietnam is for operating and doing business when dealing with administrative procedures from registering investment, setting up the company, complying with periodic reporting and tax declarations?"

As a spot with an ideal topographical position and copious work assets, and developing purchaser market, Vietnam is progressively growing emphatically, turning into a nation drawing in worldwide venture among Southeast Asia nations. Foreign investors must conduct research on Vietnam's policies, investment incentives, legal requirements, and the process and procedures for establishing a business in order to carry out effective investment activities. If international investors are considering investing in Vietnam, this will provide some quick advice on the fundamental factors they should take into account.

An individual or an organization established under foreign law could register investments and conduct business activities in Vietnam. Foreign investors are permitted to participate in any legal business, but in order to register an investment, they must meet certain industry requirements. There are a few areas in Vietnam where foreign investors cannot do business due to national security concerns or the state's monopoly.

An investor who wants to start a business in Vietnam must get a certificate of investment registration from an authorization agency, according to Vietnam law. The Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) will typically be issued within 15 days of receiving a valid dossier for an investment project. Be that as it may, it means a lot to work in the ideal opportunity for setting up the legitimate records for example application, monetary report, bank balance, individual archives and large numbers of such records require apostille, or authentication and legitimization and interpretation into Vietnamese prior to being submitted.

Except for conditional investments and business lines, Vietnam law does not mandate a minimum capital requirement for starting a business. Yet, financial backers are obliged to contribute capital as per the timetable expressed in the IRC and that the public authority has the privilege to demand the financial backer to make sense of the strategy agreeable to them in light of the proposed speculation capital. In the event that the financial backer can't contribute sufficient capital as per the serious time limit, the skilled authority might apply sanctions, including denial of the IRC or the financial backer needs to change the IRC to mirror the real commitment of venture. Once having the IRC, the financial backer then solicitation to get Endeavor Enlistment Endorsement (IRC) which requires 5 days from the date of accommodation of legitimate dossier for business foundation to finish the business setting up process.

Now that the company has established itself in Vietnam, it can officially sign a lease agreement, hire staff, and engage in business transactions to purchase or sell goods or services. The documents must be signed and sealed to be legally binding.

Then the question is how to have a seal?

When an organization was managed by the Public Security authority, it was more difficult to have a seal created for it after it was established. Legislators and business experts have been discussing the possibility of completely removing the seal from legal documents in Vietnam because the signature of the legal representative is the most crucial element. The law governing the issuance of seals has become less strict over time. However, in Vietnam, the seal is still very important because it shows the official notice, such as the decision by the business's legal representative to end a labor contract, along with the signature of the representative. or on the other hand a conspicuous endorsement of a substance to an exchange it enters to enlist a development organization for building a plant. Contingent upon the terms in the organization's contract, the financial backer has the privilege to make more than one seal to utilize. Before using, altering, destroying, or altering the number of seals, the company must send a notice to the business registration office where its head office is located for publication on the National Business Registration Portal. The day the notification process is completed and the seal sample is uploaded to the National Business Registration Portal for verification, the seal can be used.

During the activity of the business in the wake of being begun, the financial backer requirements to focus on charge commitments, which is vital in many purviews besides in charge paradise nations. However, Vietnam is not included on the exemption list. Every business is required to provide a tax declaration. Consistently, the business should pay various charges and expenses, for example, permit charges (in view of enlisted sanction capital); When a company earns a profit, it must pay Corporate Income Tax (CIT); announce and cover Worth Added Expense (Tank) for sold labor and products, for individual proclaim and settle Individual Annual Duty (PIT), or at times send out assessment and import charge, charge on lands.

The investment project reporting regime must also be fully adhered to by foreign investors in accordance with the law. These reports will be issued on a regular basis (monthly, quarterly, or annually) regarding topics such as: carried out venture capital, business speculation results, data on work, utilized unfamiliar laborers, investigates natural insurance… Agreeing with the execution of expense installment commitments and intermittently answering to guarantee ideal execution as endorsed will assist the organization with staying away from superfluous dangers, for example, managerial authorizations, business suspension, punishments that could affect the business.

ANT Lawyers – a law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to investment registration or doing business in Vietnam.

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What Are Real Estate Issues During Transaction?

The buyer and seller would neglect to use lawyers until real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam are needed.

The real estate market is generally an appealing business sector with an enormous wellspring of possible speculative benefits for financial backers. Since the land exchange is in every case high in worth, and purchasing a property for the vast majority is consistently a day-to-day existence time significant choice, and ordinarily with the monetary help from the bank, consequently in the created country, real estate dispute attorneys are constantly associated with all means of the exchange to guarantee the genuine exchange of the property. Real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam will then be referred to for guidance and representation whenever a dispute arises.

Disputes arising from the sales and purchase agreement and deposit agreement in Vietnam

In point of fact, the majority of real estate transactions in Vietnam are carried out by the buyers and sellers themselves without the assistance of real estate attorneys. As a result, numerous disputes arise as a result of these transactions regarding the property deposit agreement, the property sales and purchase agreement between the buyer and the real estate developer for a new property, or the agreement between the buyer and the previous owner for a resale property.

Since residential property is one of the most frequently traded types of real estate, it is important to ensure that the conditions for property transfer are met before participating in property-related transactions. For a transfer to be successful, the related parties must adhere to and fulfill the aforementioned conditions.

Conditions for the property to be transferred: free from claim or dispute from other parties

The fundamental elements of the property transfer transaction include the following: The transferred property is not the subject of a claim, complaint, or ownership dispute; In the case of property owners with a specific term, the transferred property must be within the ownership period; The transferred property is not restricted for the purposes of judgment enforcement or compliance with administrative decisions made by competent state agencies that are legally effective; A decision on land recovery or a notice of house clearance or demolition from a competent agency is not required for the transferred property.

The property transferor must fulfill the following requirements for the parties to the property transaction:

Seller of the property has the right to sell or not?

The person or entity permitted or authorized by the owner to carry out the transaction on property in accordance with the provisions of the law is the transferor;

The person who bought the house from the investor or the person who has received the transfer of the house purchase and sale contract is the transferor in the case of a commercial house purchase and sale contract.

In accordance with civil law, the transferor must be an individual with full civil act capacity to conduct housing transactions;

Unless the organization donates a home out of gratitude or charity, the transferor must have legal status if it is an organization.

Can the buyer meet conditions to buy the property?

At the same time, the transferee shall also meet the conditions, specifically including the following conditions:

It is not necessary for the transferee to have a permanent residence registration in the location where the transferred housing is located; instead, as long as the transferee is a domestic individual, they will have full civil act capacity to conduct property transactions in accordance with civil law.

Under Vietnam law, the transferee must have full civil capacity to conduct housing transactions if they are a foreigner or an overseas Vietnamese. In addition, according to Vietnamese law, this individual must be eligible to own homes, and neither temporary nor permanent residence registrations are required at the location where the transferred housing is located;

Assuming the transferee is an association, it will have lawful status and not rely upon the business environment enlistment and foundation; on the off chance that it is an unfamiliar association, it should be qualified to claim a house in Vietnam as per the arrangements of regulation; assuming that the association is approved to figure out how to house, it should have the capability of giving land benefits and be working in Vietnam under the law on land business.

What are potential disputes during the property transaction?

There are also disputes arisen from situations in particular:

One of the parties would like to exit the transaction if the property's market price rises or falls during the transaction.

The deals and acquisition of property is finished and enrolled at the authority yet the merchant keep on living there won't surrender the property for certain purposes behind some obscure time.

When compared to the property details outlined in the sales and purchase agreement, the developer may alter the property's design.

The property's quality does not meet the terms of the sales and purchase agreement.

Additionally, when entering into a property transaction, one may need to pay close attention to fraudulent acts in the sale and purchase of property.

How real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam could help?

As said, there are what is happening that question could emerge in a real estate transaction. It is essential to connect law firm spend significant time in land exchange for trading property in Vietnam to stay away from expected debates and safeguard their wellbeing for dealer and defend venture for purchaser. In the event of a dispute, real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam should be hired by the buyer or seller.

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The Dispute Settlement Mechanism of ASEAN

How Dispute Settlement Mechanism of ASEAN Work?

As economic cooperation has expanded, having an effective mechanism to resolve disputes arising between member countries has become an essential need. Therefore, since 1996, ASEAN has started drafting a Protocol on Dispute Settlement Mechanism, and this Protocol was signed by ASEAN Economic Ministers on November 20, 1996 in Manila (Philippines).

The dispute settlement mechanism of ASEAN is built on the spirit of negotiation and mediation. At any time, Member States which are parties to the dispute have the right to choose forms of mediation. These forms may begin or end at any time. Only when the procedure for mediation  has ended, the complainant proceeded to bring the matter to the Senior Economic Officials Meeting of ASEAN (SEOM). While the dispute is in progress, if the parties to the dispute agree, mediation procedures will continue to apply.

If the consultation does not resolve the dispute within sixty (60) days of the receipt of the request, the matter will be referred to SEOM. SEOM will set up a panel or, if possible, refer the matter to the special rules and procedures team or additional for review. However, in specific cases, if deemed necessary, SEOM may decide to resolve the dispute amicably without having to appoint a panel.

SEOM will review the panel report during its discussion and give a decision to the dispute within thirty (30) days from the date the panel submitted the report. In exceptional cases, SEOM may have an additional ten (10) days in adjudicating a dispute. SEOM representatives of Member States who are parties to the dispute may be present during the discussion but may not participate in judgments of SEOM. SEOM will adjudge on a majority basis.

Member States that are parties to the dispute may appeal the judgments of SEOM to the ASEAN Economic Ministers (“AEM”) within thirty (30) days. AEM must make a decision within thirty (30) days of the appeal. In exceptional cases, AEM may have an additional ten (10) days to make a decision on dispute resolution.

ANT Lawyers, As a law firm in Vietnam, always follow up the dispute resolution in Vietnam cases and their development to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-dispute-settlement-mechanism-of-asean-work.html

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Why Da Nang is a Place for Setting up Business

Da Nang has been creating flexible policies, good environments attracting foreign investors setting up company, building factory, and developing service business.

Da Nang is a social and economic center of central area of Vietnam with the role as the center of industry, trade and tourism and service. It is a seaport city, an important transport hub for the transit of domestic and international transportation. Presently, Da Nang has been rising as a comprehensive and sustainability developing city.

With the advantages of geographical location, people and nature, the leader of Da Nang is planning to build the city becoming a major tourist center of the country, developing tourism industry with entertainment centers and luxury resorts in Vietnam.

In practice, Da Nang has been reducing administrative procedures, creating favorable conditions for investors in obtaining certificate for investment. In the meantime, the city also supports investors understanding the information and maintaining direct dialogue mode with businesses leaders and managers in order to promptly assist any difficulties encountered by investors in the process of project implementation. Da Nang’s leaders are famous in being proactive in providing the latest information about the law in investment, especially information on the process of changing investment certificate… to facilitate the investment plan of the investors whom are investing in Da Nang. For investment projects in infrastructure construction using ODA capital, the city has been quickly implemented the clearance and compensation in time to hand over the project site to the investors as planned.

To ensure the tourism environment and sustainable development, the city focuses on attracting projects in high technology industry, supporting industry and services with high added value i.e. information technology, education, healthcare and logistics…, especially favouring clean and quality projects rather than large projects but are likely to cause environmental issues.

Along with economic development, Da Nang also has activities and measures for environmental protection by investing in building projects to protect and improve the environment such as: modernization the sewer and wastewater treatment system (JICA), building east-west economic corridor (ADB)… to ensure sustainable and long term development of the economy.

An important element for economic development is the local security. Da Nang has done a great job in maintaining public security in order to guarantee investors a stable and safe political, social environment for investors.

It can be seen that Da Nang converges suitable elements and really is a promising land for investors both domestic and international, to invest in entertainment, real estate, tourism, IT, healthcare, education services.

With highly professional staff and great experience in business in Vietnam, ANT Lawyers would like to support you to establish company in Vietnam.

ANT Lawyers – A law firm in Vietnam with international standard, local expertise and strong international network. We focus on customers’ needs and provide clients with a high quality legal advice and services. For advice or services request, please contact us via email ant@antlawyers.vn, or call us +84 24 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/legal-service/why-da-nang-is-a-place-for-setting-up-business.html

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How Vietnam Support Start-up Company in Vietnam?

How Vietnam Support Start-up Company in Vietnam?

Start-up company is a topic that is receiving much attention in Vietnam, especially in the context of the country’s strong integration with the world economy. Starting a business is expected to create economic growth, make a positive contribution to socio-economic development. From start-up ideas gradually appears startup businesses in Vietnam. Every year, Vietnam has hundreds of new businesses established, in which the number of small and medium enterprises account for the majority. Because they are small and medium-sized enterprises, it is inevitable to face great competitive pressure from large traditional enterprises as well as competitors.

The identification of small and medium enterprises is the basis for the State to have supportive policies to help enterprises face competitive pressure in the market. Criteria to determine small and medium enterprises include: field of operation, average number of employees participating in social insurance per year, total revenue or total capital of the enterprise.

Firstly, micro-enterprise in the field of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture; industry and construction that has an average annual number of employees who participate in social insurance not exceeding 10 people and the total revenue in the year not exceeding 3 billion VND or the total capital of the year is not more than 3 billion VND. Micro enterprises in the field of commerce and services employing no more than 10 employees per year on average with social insurance contributions and total annual revenue is not more than 10 billion VND or the year’s total capital is not more than 3 billion VND.

Second, small enterprise in the field of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture; industry and construction that has an average annual number of employees who participate in social insurance not exceeding 100 people, total revenue in the year not exceeding 50 billion VND or total capital of the year not exceeding 20 billion VND, except micro-enterprises. Small enterprises in the field of commerce and service that have an average annual number of employees who participate in social insurance no more than 50 employees total revenue in the year is not more than 100 billion VND or total capital of the year is not more than 30 billion VND, except micro enterprises.

Third, medium enterprise in the field of agriculture, forestry, aquaculture; industry and construction that has an average annual number of employees who participate in social insurance not exceeding 200 people, total revenue in the year not exceeding 200 billion VND or total capital of the year not exceeding 100 billion VND but not micro-enterprises and small enterprises. Medium enterprises in the field of commerce and service that have an average annual number of employees who participate in social insurance no more than 100 employees, total revenue in the year is not more than 300 billion VND or total capital of the year is not more than 100 billion VND but not micro enterprises and small enterprises.

Because there are a large number of enterprises in the Vietnamese market, the State has introduced policies to support small and medium enterprises such as technology support, information support, consulting support, supporting human resource development, supporting small and medium enterprises to transform from household businesses, small and medium enterprises to innovative start-ups, small and medium enterprises joining industry clusters, value chains. Small and medium enterprises play an increasingly important role in the economic development of countries around the world. With the ability to create business opportunities and effective jobs, this business model is increasingly encouraged to develop and receive support from state agencies to expand and develop this business model in Vietnam.

With highly professional staff and great experience in foreign investment, ANT Lawyers would like to support you to prepare before setting up company in Vietnam.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/startup-company.html

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How to Distinguish between Deposit and Advance Payment?

In commercial transactions, it is very common for one party to give the other party an amount of money before the contract being performed. Should this amount be considered as deposit or advance payment?

Deposit is one of security measures for the performance of contract obligations. According to regulation of Civil Code 2015, deposit is an act whereby one party (hereinafter referred to as the depositor) gives to other party (hereinafter referred to as the depositary) a sum of money or precious metals, gemstones or other valuable things (hereinafter referred to as the deposited property) for a period of time as security for the entering into or performance of a contract.

Upon a contract being entered into or performed, any deposited property shall be returned to the depositor, or deducted from the amount of payment obligation. If the depositor refuses to enter into or perform the contract, the deposited property shall belong to the depositary. In case the depositary refuses to enter into or perform the contract, the depositary must return the deposited property and pay an amount equivalent to the value of the deposited property to the depositor, unless otherwise agreed.

It can be seen that the purpose of deposit is to ensure the entering into or performance of a contract. Due to the fact that its nature is a security measure for the performance of contract obligations, sanction is set in regulation of deposit in case one party refuses to perform the agreement.

In practice, the advance payment can be understood that the obligor pays the obligee a sum of money in advance and this amount is regarded as in-advance performance of a payment obligation. As the nature of the advance is not a security measure for the performance of contract obligations, there is no fine rising from the advance if one party refuses to perform the agreement. Further, when a contracting party gives to the other party a sum of money, which is not clearly identified by the parties as a deposit or an advance, such amount shall be considered an advance payment.

It is important to distinguish the difference between deposit and advance payment to avoid potential disputes in performance the contract or consult with dispute resolution lawyers in Vietnam at early stage of the dispute for proper actions.

ANT Lawyers, as a reliable law firm in Vietnam, we focus on providing possible solutions that best meet the needs of legal and business clients. We help customers achieve their goals while protecting their interests, minimizing risks, and complying with the law.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-to-distinguish-between-deposit-and-advance-payment.html

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What Are New in Real Estate Trading Business in Vietnam From 2021?

What Are New in Real Estate Trading Business in Vietnam From 2021?

The Law on Investment 2020 takes effect from January 1, 2021 with many new highlights, including the amendment of conditions for real estate business in the Law on Real Estate Trading 2014.

Specifically, amending regulations on real estate business conditions in the Law on Real Estate Trading 2014 as follows: “Any organizations and individuals trading in real estate must set up enterprises or cooperatives (hereinafter referred to as an enterprise), except for the case specified in Clause 2 of this Article. ”

Clause 1, Article 10 of the 2014 Law on Real Estate Business stipulates that “Any organizations or individuals wish to conduct real estate trading shall set up enterprises or cooperatives (hereinafter referred to as enterprises) and have legal capital not smaller than VND 20 billion, excluding cases prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article.”

In addition, the Law on Investment 2020 also amends regulations on the competence to permit the transfer of all or a portion of real estate projects. For real estate projects approved by investors or granted an investment registration certificate in accordance with the Law on Investment, the competence and procedures for the transfer of all or a portion of the project comply with regulations of the Law on Investment. For real estate projects not falling into the above cases, the competence to permit the transfer of all or a portion of real estate projects is as follows: Provincial People’s Committee decides to allow the transfer of all or a portion of the real estate projects for projects decided by the provincial People’s Committee to invest; The Prime Minister shall decide to permit the transfer of all or a portion of real estate project to projects for which the investment is decided by the Prime Minister.

In case organizations, households or individuals sell, transfer, lease, or lease purchase real estate on a small scale, rarely, it is not required for real estate enterprise to be set up, but they must declare and pay taxes according to the provisions of law.

ANT Lawyers, as a law firm in Vietnam, will always follow up the conditions for real estate business to update clients on regular basis.

We are a real estate dispute law firm in Vietnam with international standard, local expertise and strong international network. We focus on customers’ needs and provide clients with a high quality legal advice and services. For advice or service request, please contact us via email ant@antlawyers.vn, or call us +84 24 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-are-new-in-real-estate-trading-business-from-2021.html

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What is Statute of Limitation for Initiating Legal Action According to Arbitral Procedures?

Arbitration law always set the the limitation period for request of dispute resolution. This means that the law applies a specific period for parties to bring the dispute to the arbitration. According to law on arbitration 2010 (“LOA”), unless otherwise provided by specialized law, limitation period for initiating legal action according to arbitral procedures is two years from the time of infringement of lawful rights and interests.

There is no regulation in arbitration law regarding consequence of expiration of limitation period, but Civil Code 2015 (“CC”) stipulates that: “if such time limits expire, the right to initiate such legal action shall be lost”. Arbitration council shall not resolve expired requests, which means council shall not judge which parties is right or wrong. Therefore, enterprise needs to request within the statutory time limits in order to be resolved. If not, the request shall not be considered although there was request and related fees. In addition, it should be noted that the Court only applies time limits regulation at the request of a party or the parties provided that such request is filed before the first trial court of first instance makes a judgment, a decision on settlement.

However, there has been cases of non-applicability of limitation periods. Specifically, a limitation period for initiating legal action for a civil case shall not apply in any of the following cases: (i) Request for the protection of personal rights not associated with property; (ii) Request for the protection of ownership rights, unless otherwise provided by Civil Code or relevant laws; (iii) Dispute over land use right as prescribed in the Law on land; (iv) Other cases as provided by law. For instance, dispute over reclaiming deposited property is under case of non-applicability of limitation periods. Specifically, deposited property still belongs to ownership of depositor although the property had been transferred to depositary and reclaiming property is a measure protecting the right of property ownership, while dispute over the protection of ownership rights is under case of non-applicability of limitation periods.

In practice, the time between the time period of filing a lawsuit and the time period of infringement of lawful rights and interests can be longer than two years if there is time periods excluded from limitation periods for initiating legal action or there is re-commencement of limitation period for initiating legal action.

The time period during which one of the following events occurs shall be excluded from limitation periods for initiating legal action: (i) An event of force majeure or other objective hindrance which renders the person with the right to initiate legal action for a civil case or make the request not able to do so within the limitation period; (ii) The person with the right to initiate legal action for a civil case or to make the request is a minor or a legally incapacitated person, a person with limited cognition and behavior control or a person with limited legal capacity, and does not yet have a representative; (iii) The representative of a minor or a legally incapacitated person, a person with limited cognition and behavior control or a person with limited legal capacity has not yet been replaced in case that the representative being natural person dies or the representative being juridical person ceases to exist or in case that the representative, for good reasons, cannot continue his/her representation.

The limitation period for initiating legal action shall re-commence in any of the following cases: (i) The obligor has acknowledged part or all of its obligations to the plaintiff; (ii) The obligor has acknowledged or fulfilled part of its obligations to the plaintiff; (iii) The parties have become reconciled. The limitation period for initiating legal action for a civil case shall re-commence from the date following the date on which the above event occurs. Having said that, it is important to consult with dispute lawyers in Vietnam for the effective dispute resolutions should dispute arise.

Arbitration lawyers at ANT Lawyers - Law firm in Vietnam with accreditation in national and international arbitration practice could help providing legal advice in disputed matters, and guide the clients throughout the process. The arbitration lawyers in Vietnam could also advise the clients on various matters from choice of arbitrator, choice of arbitration rules, ad-hoc or institutional arbitration, place of arbitration, enforcement of arbitral award.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-is-statute-of-limitation-for-initiating-legal-action-according-to-arbitral-procedures.html

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What Are Responsibilities of the Seller for Inadequate Delivery of Goods?

Delivering and receiving goods are basic obligations of the parties when performing the Contract for purchase and sale of goods. Specifically, in accordance with the law, when buying and selling goods, the seller must deliver goods and relevant documents, as agreed in contracts on quantity, quality, packing and preservation modes and other contractual terms.

In cases where there is no specific agreement, the seller is obliged to deliver goods and relevant documents according to the provisions of the Law on Commerce. At the same time, the Buyer is obliged to receive the goods as agreed and perform reasonable actions to help the seller deliver the goods.

If the Seller fails to deliver insufficient goods, they must deliver the goods in accordance with the contract. In case the Seller fails to deliver the goods as agreed, the Buyer has the right to purchase the goods from another person for replacement according to the goods specified in the contract and the Seller must pay the difference and relevant expenses, if any; reserves the right to repair the defect of the goods by itself and the Seller shall pay actual and reasonable expenses for the rectification.

The Buyer has the right to request to apply for penalty if agreed in the contract. The penalty for a breach of a contractual obligation or the aggregate fine level for more than one breach shall be agreed upon in the contract by the parties but must not exceed 8% of the value of the breached contractual obligation portion.

In the contract, where a contract-breaching party delays making payment for goods or payment of service charges and other reasonable fees, the aggrieved party may claim an interest on such delayed payment at the average interest rate applicable to overdue debts in the market at the time of payment for the delayed period, unless otherwise agreed or provided for by law.

Thus, when the Seller fails to comply with the commitments as in the contract, the Buyer has the right to initiate a lawsuit requesting a court to force the Seller to return the received amount of goods equivalent for the goods not yet delivered, interest due to late payment, contract fines, compensation for damage as required. In case the parties do not agree to penalty for violation, the Buyer only has the right to claim damages. In case the parties agree to fine for violation, the Buyer has the right to apply both the sanction of the violation and the forced compensation for damage, unless otherwise provided by law.

For the determination of civil liability when violating the sale and purchase contract, according to law, each juridical person must bear civil liability for the civil rights and obligations established and performed in the name of the juridical person by its representative. Each juridical person must bear civil liability by recourse to its property; shall not bear civil liability for its members with respect to civil obligations established and performed by such members not in the name of the juridical person, unless otherwise prescribed by law. A member of a juridical person shall not bear civil liability of the juridical person for the civil obligations established and performed by such juridical person, unless otherwise prescribed by law. Therefore, if the Seller breaches the contract, the legal entity being the Seller is responsible to pay the Buyer and the legal person is not responsible for that legal entity.

It is important to engage lawyers at an early stage of the dispute for consultation on effective dispute resolution.  It is also advised, when entering into the Contract for purchase and sale of goods, the Seller needs to understand the basic legal provisions on its rights and obligations. The Buyer also needs to know clearly about the obligations of the Seller in order to be able to prevent the risk that arises when one of the parties breaches a fundamental contractual obligation.

ANT Lawyers is a law firm in Vietnam, recognized by Legal500, IFLR1000. We are an exclusive Vietnam member of Prea Legal, the global law firm network covering more than 150 jurisdictions. The firm provides a range of legal services to multinational and domestic clients. For advice or services request, please contact us via email ant@antlawyers.vn, or call us +84 24 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-are-responsibilities-of-the-seller-for-inadequate-delivery-of-goods.html

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How Amendment to Contracts in Vietnam Can be Made?

Once a contract is made legally, contracting parties shall implement and such contract is respected by third parties. As stated in Civil Code 2015 (“CC”): “Each commitment or agreement that does not violate regulations of law and is not contrary to social ethics shall be bound by contracting parties and must be respected by other entities”. However, in the implementation process, the contract can be amended, which means, rights and obligation of parties can be amended accordingly.

Due to the fact that the contract is result of before agreement, amendment shall follow certain conditions. According to laws, parties may agree to amend a contract. Enterprises need to pay attention to some following issues when amending the contract in the implementation process:

Firstly, entities participating in contract amendment is the matter which enterprises need to notice. Both contract and supplemental agreement are made on behalf of the parties, which means between two juridical persons. In reality, juridical persons only carry out transactions through representatives, it may be legal representative or authorized representative. Therefore, entities participating in contract amendment shall be representative of juridical persons. A civil transaction entered into and performed with a third person by a representative in accordance with his/her scope of authorization shall give rise to rights and obligations of the principal. Regarding consequence of civil transactions made by unauthorized persons or by representatives beyond scope of representation, such civil transactions shall not give rise to rights and obligations of the principal or not give rise to rights and obligations of the principal with respect to that part of the transaction which exceeded the scope of representation, except for any of the following cases: (i) The principal recognizes the transaction or gives consent; (ii) The principal knows it without any objection within an appropriate time limit; (iii) It is the principal’s fault that the other party does not know or is not able to know that the person entering into and performing the civil transaction therewith was unauthorized or beyond his/her scope of representation. In above circumstances, the unauthorized person must fulfill the obligations to the person with which he/she transacted or the obligations owning to the person with which he/she transacted in respect of the part of transaction which is beyond the scope of representation, unless such person knew or should have known that the representative was unauthorized or the scope of representation was exceeded but still transacted. A person having transacted with above representative has the right to terminate unilaterally the performance or to terminate the made civil transaction or to terminate the civil transaction with respect to that part which is beyond the scope of representation or with respect to the entire transaction and to demand compensation for any damage, except that such person knew or should have known that that the representative was unauthorized or the scope of representation was exceeded or the case of which the principal recognizes the transaction or gives consent. If above representatives and the other party in a civil transaction deliberately enter into and perform such transaction and thereby cause damage to the principal, they must jointly compensate for the damage.

Form of agreement on amending contract is the second matter which needs to be taken into consideration. Amendment shall comply with the form of the initial contract. For instance, if the initial contract is made in written, notarized, certified, registered, the amendment shall follow such forms. The form of contract shall be the conditions for its effectiveness in cases where it is provided by law. Therefore, the form of amended contract shall be the conditions for its effectiveness in cases where it is provided by law. In invalid contracts, the general rule is restoring everything to its original state and returning to each other what have received. The condition for the contract of non-compliance with form recognized by the Court’s decision is that one party or the parties has fulfill at least two third of the obligation contract. However, not one party or the parties fulfilling at least two third of the obligation contract will naturally make such contract invalid but there must go through the Court. Specifically, according to request of one party, after fully considering conditions mentioned above, the Court shall make a decision on recognizing the validity of such contract. This principle also applies to contracts amendment. It is important that parties to consult with lawyers at early stage to anticipate matters of dispute and clearly have clauses drafted to avoid potential future disputes.

ANT Lawyers – A Law firm in Vietnam has law offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.  The lawyers at each law offices in Vietnam have consistently made valuable and important contributions to our profession through the cases we handled on daily basis to facilitate business transaction or represented our clients to access justice.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-amendment-to-contracts-can-be-made.html

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Shareholder rights in Joint Stock Company in Vietnam

What Rights Shareholder Holds in Joint Stock Company?

Shareholders are individual or organization that owns at least one share of the joint-stock company and also are owner of the joint-stock company. Along with these roles, their interests are tied to business operations although they may not directly manage the day-to-day company affairs. In order to implement governance, the powers and responsibilities of each interest group such as shareholders, the board of directors, managerial personnel, etc. should be assigned based on the statutory principles and procedures.

According to the regulations on shareholders in the Law on Enterprise 2020, the rights of shareholders can be categorized into the following groups: economic rights, governance rights, information rights, and litigation rights.

Economic rights

Economic right is the right to gain all pecuniary interest with respect to the shares. The purpose of starting a business or investing in securities comes mainly from earning income or gaining profits. Economic rights accordingly include:

-Right to entitlement to dividends

-Right to transfer ownership

-Priority right to acquire the newly issued shares

-Right to entitlement to a portion of the assets after dissolution or bankrupt

-Appraisal Right

Among these above rights, right to entitlement to dividends and right to transfer ownership are the fundamental economic rights of a shareholder.

Dividend of common shares is determined according to the realized net profit and the dividend payment from the company’s retained earnings. Despite right to entitlement to dividends, shareholders are still subject to a number of limitations in law and in fact. Dividend entitlement is determined by the General Meeting of Shareholders based on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, after the company has fulfilled tax obligations and other financial obligations, contributed to reserve fund, paid for previous losses and met the solvency for all due debts and other property obligations. Dividend is not required to be distributed annually. Depending on the business situation, the General Meeting of Shareholders may decide to retain profits for reinvestment.

Besides dividend entitlement from the company’s operating results, shareholders can also gain profits by share transfer. This kind of investment is popular with respect of shares or securities of public companies, investors do not aim for corporate governance rights as well as dividend, they intend to earn benefits by the difference of the market values of stocks, especially when the stock value increases.

Governance rights

Modern corporate governance has two principles, one is to separate ownership and governance and to separate governance and management. It means that the major shareholders should not hold senior managerial positions in the company and Chairperson of the Board of Directors should not be assigned to other senior managerial positions such as General Director and/or Director.

Shareholders may be an individual or organization which they have their own different interests, goals and abilities. The separation between ownership and management makes the situation of whom the owner is and how the share get transferred not to affect the business operation. In the meantime, the separation helps gather professional managers to implement target intended by the company. According to the laws, members of the Board of Directors of a public company concurrently holding several executive titles must be reduced to the minimum to ensure the independence of the Board of Directors, specially the Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall not be the Director/General Director in a public company as of August 1st, 2020. There are no similar rules applicable to joint stock companies which are not public company.

Attendance, speaking and voting at General Meeting of Shareholders are fundamental in governance right of common shareholders, applicable to all shareholders holding at least one share. ty. In principle, being a shareholder who holds shares of the company regardless of the number has equal rights to attend and vote at the General Meeting of Shareholders. By the General Meeting of Shareholders, the shareholders holding a certain number of shares can impact decisions on some matters such as election, dismissal, and removal of members of the Board of Directors and Controllers, amendment and supplementation of internal documents, major transactions, and others as stipulated in law on enterprise or charter. In addition to the above rights, the majority shareholders also have a number of other rights related to governance as follows:

The shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 5% of the total number of common shares (charter may require a smaller percentage) is entitled to:

-Call a General Meeting of Shareholders

-Request Board of Controllers to inspect each specific matter relating to management, governance of company affairs if necessary

-Recommend matters to be included in agenda of General Meeting of Shareholders

-The shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 10% of the total number of common shares (charter may require a smaller percentage) is entitled to nominate candidates for the Board of Directors, Board of Controllers

Information rights

Shareholders have the right to access documents and information of the company. In addition to the basic documents such as the charter, list of shareholders, meeting minutes and resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders, shareholders have the right to access to reports related to the business affairs.

However, some information is only reviewed by shareholders who own required percentage of share:

-Access and extract information on full name and contact address as specified in list of shareholders having voting right and list of shareholders having right to attend General Meeting of Shareholder; request to adjust his/her inaccurate information

-Access, extract and scan charter of company, meeting minutes of General Meeting of Shareholder and its resolution

-Access, extract and copy partial or whole list of involved persons and their contracts, transaction of which the company is other party, interests of Board of Directors, Controllers, Directors or General Directors and other managerial positions of company

-Access and extract minutes and resolutions of Board of Directors, annual or mid-year financial reports, reports of Board of Controllers, contracts and transaction approved by Board of Directors and other documents, excepting for documents related to company’s know-how and trade secrets (applicable to shareholder and group of shareholders who own at least 5% of total number of common shares, the charter may require a smaller percentage)

-Access profit and loss statements, finacial reports, governace and management assement reports; inspection reports of Board of Controllers (applicable to shareholder who own shares at least 1 consecutive year, the charter may require a smaller percentage).

Different to common joint stock company, a public company must annouce fully, accurately and promptly the periodic and extraordinary information on business, finance and governace. Other information must be annouced if it influences share price and investment decisions of shareholders and investors.

Litigation rights

The Law on Enterprises has provided a mechanism to request the Court or Arbitration to rescind the resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders or sue the managerial personnels when they fail to fully and properly implement their tasks, including:

The shareholder or group of shareholders holding at least 5% of the total number of common shares (charter may require a smaller percentage) is entitled to:

-Request to rescind resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders when the orders and procedures of calling the meeting and making resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders seriously violate the regulations of the Law on Enterprises and company’s charter

-However, the resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders adopted by 100% of the total number of voting shares is legal and effective even when the orders and procedures of calling the meeting and adopting such resolution violates regulations of the Law on Enterprises and company’s charter.

-Request to rescind resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders when its provisions violates the laws or company’s charter

-The shareholder, group of shareholders holding at least 1% of the total number of common shares is entitled to:

-Sue members of Board of Directors, Directors, General Directors separately or jointly under certain circumstances

The Chairperson of Board of Directors or the Director or General Director usually acts as the legal representative of the company, representing the company to perform rights and obligations arising from the company’s transactions, representing the company to take proceedings before the court or arbitrator. However, when their interests conflict with those of the shareholders, shareholders have the right to initiate a lawsuit claiming benefits or compensation. The Law on Enterprise also permits shareholders to sue on behalf of the company when the above managerital personnels commit violations, causing damage directly to the company and indirectly to shareholders.

Not all shareholders have the right to sue for the above managerial personnels, only those who own at least 1% of the total number of common shares. This restriction makes sense with respect of public companies, in order to eliminate unfair competition actions conducted by minority shareholders who is controlled by the rival companies because amount of 1% in public company is not a small number.

Similar to a lawsuit against a manager, shareholder or group of shareholders is also required to own at least 5% of the total number of common shares to request rescission of the resolution of the General Meeting of Shareholders if there is violation on substantive law and procedural law. Accordingly, all resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders violating the substantive laws or the company’s charter are rescinded at the request of shareholders, but only serious procedural violations may be rescinded. There is no specific instructions for serious procedural violations at this time, the assessment will depend on personal perspective of the court and arbitrator.

In order to seek further advice, please contact us at ant@antlawyers.vn or call + 84 912 817 823.  ANT Lawyers, your law firm in Vietnam.

Source ANTLawyers:  https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-rights-shareholder-holds-in-joint-stock-company.html

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When a Contract is Invalid Due to Non-compliance With Form in Vietnam?

Generally, contracts for sale and purchase of goods and service contract shall be expressed in verbal or written form or established with specific acts. For types of contract which must be made in writing provided by law, such contract must comply with such form regulation. Particularly, contract for international purchase and sale of goods shall be conducted on the basis of written contracts or other forms of equal legal validity.

There are two cases of non-compliance with form: (i) form of contract is not in accordance with the law and; (ii) contract violates against regulations on notarizing or authorization. It should be noted that the form of contract shall be the conditions for its effectiveness in cases where it is provided by law. The time limit of requiring the court to declare a contract of non-compliance with form in Vietnam invalid is 02 years, from the establishment date of contract. After such time limit, if there is still no request for declaring contract invalid, such contract still remains valid.

When the contract is invalid, the general rule is restoring everything to its original state and returning to each other what have received. The non-compliance with form contract could be valid de facto contract if recognized by the Court’s decision when one party or the parties has fulfill at least two third of the obligation contract. Obligations means work whereby one or more entities must transfer objects, rights, pay money or provide valuable papers, perform or not perform certain work for the interests of one or more other entities. However, one party or the parties fulfilling at least two third of the obligation contract will not naturally make such contract valid unless there is decision of the the Court to recognize such. Specifically, according to request of one party, after fully considering conditions mentioned above, the Court shall make a decision on recognizing the validity of such contract.

It is important for parties to have a proper contract with terms and conditions that provide sufficient details with consideration of the nature of the business transactions and the possible resolution when potential disputes arise.  Further, the law governing the contract and the dispute resolution clause which refers to court or arbitration choice should be as clear as possible to avoid confusion and extended time resolving the arisen disputes.

ANT Lawyers - A Contract dispute law firm in Vietnam with international standard, local expertise and strong international network. We focus on customers’ needs and provide clients with a high quality legal advice and services. For advice or services request, please contact us via email ant@antlawyers.vn, or call us +84 24 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers:  https://antlawyers.vn/library/when-a-contract-is-invalid-due-to-non-compliance-with-form.html

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How Cross-Border Supply of Services Works?

Bilateral or multilateral free trade agreements between countries are formed majorly based on the WTO agreement system. In particular, GATS as an Agreement under the WTO system, is the first and only set of multilateral rules governing international trade in services. Ways or modes of trading services are basic provisions of GATS, including: Cross-border supply (mode 1), Consumption abroad (mode 2), Commercial presence (mode 3), Presence of natural person (mode 4). The categorization of modes covering its own regulations depends on the territorial presence of the supplier and the consumer at the time of the transaction.

According to GATS, cross -border supply means supply of a service from the territory of one Member into the territory of any other member, and supplier and consumer of a member do not present within the territory of other member. Consumption abroad means supply of a service in the territory of one Member to the service consumer of any other member. Presence of natural person means supply of a service by a service supplier of one member, through presence of natural persons of a member in the territory of any other member. It should be noted that cross-border supply of services is defined depending on each Agreement. Under CPTPP, cross-border supply includes modes 1, 2 and 4 above. In this article, cross-border supply is equivalent to mode 1, under GATS.

When participating in GATS, members make commitments for market access with respect to each mode of service supply and sub-sector. The GATS provides a set of general principles that all WTO members must adhere to, which there is no unnecessary barriers applied to trade. However, GATS expressly recognizes the rights of member governments to manage and regulate the supply of services in pursuit of their own policy objectives. GATS also does not interfere in internal affairs ad policies of members. Therefore, the governments absolutely have the right to decide and adopt their trade policies. The enterprise of a member must comply with domestic regulations in the territory of other member where they conduct business and trade in services and refer to that Member’s Schedule of Specific Commitments to understand market access obligations and national treatment.

Most sub-sectors do not restrict market access and national treatment for foreign suppliers providing cross-border services in Vietnam (legal, accounting, auditing, tax, architecture, advertising, management consulting, …). Although the market access is not restricted, it does not mean that the foreign suppliers freely provide services in Vietnam without satisfaction of conditions or without the consent of the competent state authorities. To consider this mater and have a correct understanding, the national treatment principal should be reviewed, it requires that each member shall accord to services and service suppliers of any other member the treatment no less favourable than that it accords to its own like services and service suppliers. Having said that, in the event that a member maintains business conditions for the domestic services and service suppliers, these conditions may also apply to the foreign services and service suppliers.

Such as accounting service business, foreign service suppliers are not restricted in market access and national treatment under the Schedule of Specific Commitments in Services. It means that a foreign accounting firm can provide accounting services to a Vietnamese enterprise. However, accounting service is a conditional business applicable to domestic firms. According to the national treatment principle, Vietnam has the right to impose similar conditions on foreign suppliers. Reference to the provisions of Vietnamese laws, the foreign accounting firm must fully meet the conditions of head office and personnel to be licensed its business in Vietnam. Further, there are tax liabilities arisen which obligations of registration and declaration depend on particulars of transactions. It is suggested that international trade lawyers are consulted to avoid potential disputes or non-compliance of cross-border supply of services.

We are a law firm in Vietnam with international standard, local expertise and strong international network. We focus on customers’ needs and provide clients with a high quality legal advice and services. For advice or services request, please contact us via email ant@antlawyers.vn, or call us +84 24 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers:  https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-cross-border-supply-of-services-works.html

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Settlement of Land Disputes in Vietnam

What Procedures for Conciliation and Settlement of Land Dispute?

Land dispute is one of the most complicated problems which arises regularly in daily life in Vietnam. Land dispute is very diverse, which may be dispute over land use right, ownership of house attached to land use right related to inheritance, divorce, transfer and transformation transaction, leasing, sub-leasing, mortgage, etc.

What is land dispute?

Land dispute means a dispute over the rights and obligations of land users among two or more parties in a land relationship.

In case of conflict over land, what should parties do to settle dispute?

Land dispute can be settled in two resolutions, in court or settlement procedures at state administrative agencies.

Firstly, no matter what resolution parties choose, conciliation procedure at commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the disputed land is located is mandatory condition and procedure. In particular, if conciliation by parties cannot be achieved, the parties may send a petition for conciliation to the commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the disputed land is located. The conciliation procedure carried out at the commune-level People’s Committees shall be completed within 45 days from the date which the commune-level People’s Committees receives a petition for settlement of land dispute. The conciliation may take place only when all the disputing parties are present. If any of the disputing parties is absent for the second time, the conciliation shall be regarded as unsuccessful.

If the conciliation at a commune-level People’s Committee fails, land dispute shall be settled according to one of the following two cases. Firstly, the land dispute in which the party possesses a certificate or any of the papers prescribed in Article 100 of Land law and the dispute over assets attached to land shall be settled by the People’s Court. Secondly, regarding the land dispute in which the party does not possess above papers, the parties may choose between the following two options of settlement: filing a written request for dispute settlement with a competent People’s Committee or filing a lawsuit with a competent People’s Court in accordance with the law on civil procedures.

Regarding the second case, when the party choose to settle at competent People’s Committee, the chairperson of the district-level People Committee is responsible for the settlement of disputes among households, individuals and communities. If the parties disagree with the settlement decision, they are entitled to claim with the chairperson of the provincial-level People’s Committee or to file a lawsuit at a People’s Court in accordance with the law on administrative procedures.

In case one party is an organization, a religious institution, an overseas Vietnamese or a foreign-invested enterprise, the chairperson of the provincial-level People’s Committee is responsible for the settlement. If the parties disagree with the settlement decision, they are entitled to file claim with the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment or to file a lawsuit with a People’s Court in accordance with the law on administrative procedures. It should be noted that the legally effective decision on dispute settlement must be strictly abided by the parties. If the parties fail to comply, the decision shall be enforced.

The settlement of land disputes in which the disputing parties have no certificate or any of the papers prescribed in Article 100 of the Land Law and Article 18 of Decree 43/2014/ND-CP detailing a number of articles of the land law shall be based on the following grounds: Evidences on the origin and use process of the land presented by the disputing parties; Actual land areas currently used by the parties in addition to the disputed land area and the average land area per household member in the locality; Conformity of the current use status of the disputed land with land use plans already approved by competent state agencies; Preferential treatment policies toward persons with meritorious services to the State; Regulations on land allocation, land lease and land use rights recognition.

It is suggest to consult with land dispute lawyers in Vietnam for advice and representation at early stage for dispute avoidance or dispute resolution.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-procedures-for-conciliation-and-settlement-of-land-dispute.html

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Conditions for Cancellation of Contract in Vietnam

What are Conditions for Cancellation of Contract?

When entering into a contract, the parties in a contractual relationship always aim for certain interests and purposes. However, in reality, the contract is not always implemented seriously and in good faith. According to Vietnam laws, parties are entitled to cancel the contract to protect rights and interests. Therefore, it is not rare for a party to request to cancel the contract in order not to be bound by the contract. However, it should be noted that the right of cancellation is only applied in some certain circumstances which stipulated by the law. This is to limit arbitrariness of cancelling the contract.

The basic condition for cancelling the contract is the breach. However, it should be noted that not all breaches of contract will result in cancelling the contract. This is stipulated in both of general law and specialized law. According to Commercial law 2005 (“CL”), the sanction of cancelling the contract is applied in case of breaching act be a condition for the cancellation of the contract as agreed upon by the parties or in case of substantial breach of contractual obligations from a party. Specifically, contractual breach means the failure of a party to perform, to fully or properly perform its obligations according to the agreement between the parties or the provisions of CL. Substantial breach means a contractual breach by a party, which causes damage to the other party to an extent that the other party cannot achieve the purpose of the entry into the contract. Civil Code 2015 (“CC”) also stipulates correspondingly but it uses the term “serious breach”: “A party has the right to cancel the contract and shall not be liable to compensate for damage in the following cases: (i) A breaching act of one party is a condition for the cancellation of the contract as agreed upon by the parties; (ii) The other party seriously violates the obligations in the contract; (iii) Others circumstances as provided by law. Serious violation means the failure to fulfill obligations properly by a party which make the other party cannot achieve the purpose of the entry into the contract”. However, currently there is no specific guidance on identifying the substantial breach of contractual obligations and the serious breach of contractual obligations. Therefore, determining whether a party’s breach is considered as a substantial breach of contractual obligations or a serious breach of contractual obligations will be within the competence of the jurisdiction.

A lawfully concluded contract may be canceled when a party breaches its basic contractual obligations. After cancelling the contract, such contract shall be invalid from the time it is entered into, and the parties shall not have to continue performing their contractual obligations, except for their agreements on their post-cancellation rights and obligations and resolution of disputes. The parties shall have the right to claim benefits brought about their performance of their contractual obligations. If parties have indemnity obligations, their obligations must be performed concurrently. Where it is impossible to make the indemnity with benefits which one party has enjoyed, the obliged party must make the indemnity in cash. Breached parties are entitled to claim damages.

In conclusion, from the regulation of law, it can be seen that nature of contract is to benefit for the parties and not to be canceled. The cancellation is very serious so the contract can only be canceled in some certain conditions. The contract cannot be canceled as a sanction if there is no contract breach. Simultaneously, the party requesting cancellation also needs to know that such request is only accepted if there is enough foundation to affirm that the other party has substantial breach of contractual obligations or the serious breach of contractual obligations.  Parties encountering potential dispute should consult with dispute lawyers in Vietnam for proper resolution.

ANT Lawyers – A Law firm in Vietnam has law offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. The lawyers at each law offices in Vietnam have consistently made valuable and important contributions to our profession through the cases we handled on daily basis to facilitate business transaction or represented our clients to access justice.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/contract-lawyers-in-vietnam/what-are-conditions-for-cancellation-of-contract.html

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Termination of Labour Contract to Employee Before Contract Expiration

When Should the Employer Send Notice of Termination of Labour Contract to Employee Before Contract Expiration?

Expiration is one of the circumstances which permit termination of labor contract under the Labor Code 2012. Accordingly, the employer must inform in writing to the employee of the terminating date of labor contract at least 15 days prior to the expiration. Termination of labor relationship in each circumstance must follow different conditions and procedures to ensure the interests and obligations of both employee and employer and avoid potential labour disputes in Vietnam.

Previously, an administrative penalty was applied to violations of the labor contract termination notice mentioned above. If the employer fails to inform the employee, the employer will be subject to a warning or a fine with amount from VND 500,000 to VND 1,000,000. However, the Decree 28/2020/ND-CP issued on March 1st, 2020 by the Government has repealed sanction for this behavior.

If the employee continues to work upon expiration of labor contract, both parties will be required to sign a new labor contract within the next 30 days, otherwise the signed contract will become an indefinite-term. Failure of the employer to inform the labor contract termination to the employee does not mean that the labor relationship is automatically extended after the expiration. If both parties fail to sign a new labor contract within the next 30 days, but the employee still do normal assigned job and is paid a full monthly salary, an indefinite-term labor contract is deemed as entered into by them. Any disputes arising out then will be settled based on provisions of indefinite term labor contract and laws.

The Labor Code 2019 repealed the employer’s informing responsibility upon expiration of labor contract except in a few circumstances such as the employee being sentenced to imprisonment, disciplined, expelled, ..., the employer is required to inform the employee in writing the termination of the labor contract.

ANT Lawyers – A labour dispute law firm in Vietnam with international standard, local expertise and strong international network. We focus on customers’ needs and provide clients with a high quality legal advice and services. For advice or services request, please contact us via email ant@antlawyers.vn, or call us +84 24 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/when-should-the-employer-send-notice-of-termination-of-labour-contract-to-employee-before-contract-expiration.html

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Marriage and Divorce in Vietnam

Vietnam family laws covers all legal matters concerning marriages and divorces, including marriage registration procedures, and divorce procedures, matters concerning separate or joint ownership assets and property, child custody, child support, and dispute on related matters.

Vietnam marriage laws have developed during the past 40 years and are still connected with changes in the thinking of the Vietnamese society and are thereby not exempt from future amendments that might appear simultaneously with the changes in Vietnam’s fast emerging society. The legal fundamental basis for marriages in Vietnam is the Marriage and Family Law.  Some of the main points that are included in this law’s mission are for contributing to build and protect the marriage and family regime as well as to protect legitimate rights and interests of family members. The essential legal provisions of the Vietnam marriage law requires and determines: a required marital age for male is at least 20 years and female 18 years; marriages must be voluntary, progressive, monogamous marriages in which husband and wife are equal; marriages between partners of different nationalities, religions etc. are respected and legally protected but marriages between married people, people without civil act capacity, between the same direct blood line or within three generations, between (former) adoptive parents and children or parents- and children-in-law and stepparents and stepchildren, are forbidden. Although the marriage between persons of the same sex is not forbidden any more but the State shall not recognize it.

Furthermore, marriage or remarriages must be registered with the competent State bodies (registration offices) where either of the marriage partners resides. Vietnamese citizens living abroad shall refer to overseas Vietnamese diplomatic missions or consulates for services.  Unless otherwise provided by law, the provisions of the Marriage and Family law also are also applicable for foreigners involved in Vietnamese marriages. In case a treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party contains provisions different from those of this Law, the provisions of such treaty prevail.

The registration procedures might differ in some points for foreigners because of the documents required from their home countries. Papers issued, granted or certified by competent foreign agencies for use in the settlement of cases and matters of marriage and family shall be notarized, legalized, except cases eligible for exemption from consular legalization under treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party or on the principle of reciprocity. Foreigners must demonstrate that they are eligible for marriage in compliance with the law of their home countries. According to the Vietnam Marriage and Family law, foreigners enjoy the same rights and obligations like Vietnamese and Vietnam provides protection for the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese living abroad in marriage and family relations in accordance with the law. In the case of a marriage between a foreigner and a Vietnamese, each one must abide by the legislation of his/her country on the marriage conditions. The law also bans marriages whereby foreigners take advantages related to human trafficking, sexually abuse against women.

The law on marriage and family has brought a positive change to the role of the family in Vietnamese society and the traditional values ​​of marriage and family. These legal provisions have contributed to the protection and perfection of a progressive marriage and family regime by creating legal standards that keep pace with the times but also respect long-standing traditional values ​​of Vietnam. However, Vietnam still lacks complex mechanisms to deal with all those involved and another problem is that some clauses are overlapping and are not clear enough to address outstanding issues such as: cohabitation system such as husband and wife, separated or surrogacy. Prenuptial agreements, premarital agreements or similar marriage contracts are not recognized in Vietnam. However, agreements on joint assets, or division of assets during marriage are recognized but certain procedures have to be followed.

Lawyers at ANT Lawyers – Marriage and divorce dispute law firm in Vietnam have experience with registration of marriage, divorce procedures or dispute matters of assets, properties in Vietnam. For advice or service request, please contact us via email ant@antlawyers.vn, or call us +84 24 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/marriage-and-divorce.html

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Reliable Vietnam Law Firm

Vietnam's ANT Lawyers is a law firm with locations in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. We are a law firm in Vietnam that is a member of Prae Legal, a global network of law firms that spans 150 countries and five continents. Through this network, we have established relationships with lawyers from all over the world. Because of this collaboration, ANT Lawyers are able to handle international cases involving foreigners.

As a reputable English-speaking law firm in Vietnam, ANT Lawyers focuses on offering potential solutions that best satisfy the requirements of business and legal clients. We assist customers in achieving their objectives while safeguarding their interests, reducing risks, and adhering to the law.

The law firm provides a comprehensive range of contentious and non-contentious legal expertise to corporate and individual clients from all sectors. We are able to provide advice on a wide range of topics, from precedent-setting to strictly procedural, thanks to our experienced staff and highly professional personnel.

Our ability to combine commercial and legal perspectives is a recurring theme throughout everything we do as a law firm. As a result, our clients can rest assured that, regardless of the case or transaction, our lawyers at the law firm in Vietnam have the expertise to provide commercially relevant legal advice and service.

Tell us how we can be of service and one of our team members will contact you.

Email: ant@antlawyers.vn  - Tel: +84 28 730 86 529

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2023 Tax Filing Deadlines You Need to Know in Vietnam

2023 Tax Filing Deadlines You Need to Know in Vietnam

According to the provisions of Vietnam tax law, on monthly or quarterly companies will need to submit various types of tax reports and tax returns: License fees; Value added tax declaration; Personal income tax return; Corporate income tax finalization declaration. Knowing the deadlines for submitting tax reports and paying taxes on time not only helps companies proactively capture information and arrange for tax payment in accordance with state regulations, but also avoids many risks. Risk of penalties for violations in the field of tax laws occur if the declaration is filed late, or not filed. Company also could hire professional specializing in tax matters or tax lawyers for advice in the area of tax compliance in Vietnam to improve the efficiency and optimize business strategies.

‍What is deadline for filing Vietnam annual license fee?

Annual license fee is the amount the enterprise must pay annually based on the amount of charter capital stated on the certificate of business registration, and to be paid annually since the starting of the business. The company(except business households and business individuals) which has been newly established (including small and medium-sized enterprises converting from household businesses) or has established more dependent units, business locations has to file the license fee declaration dossiers no later than January 30^th of the following the year of establishment or starting of business activities, production and business activities. In case the enterprise has a change in charter capital during the year, the enterprise shall submit the license fee declaration dossier no later than January 30^th of the year following the year in which the changed information arises.

What is deadline for filing value added tax (VAT) in Vietnam?

This is an indirect tax, calculated based on the added value of goods and services that consumers have to pay when buying goods or services. The person who directly fulfills the tax payment obligation to the tax authority will be an enterprise or a production unit. The deadline for submitting VAT declaration dossiers is the 20^th day of the month following the month in which the tax liability arises, for enterprises that declare and pay monthly; and the last day of the first month of the quarter following the quarter in which tax obligations arise for enterprises that declare and pay quarterly.

What is deadline for filing corporate income tax (CIT) in Vietnam?

Corporate income tax is a tax calculated based on the profit of an enterprise, which is a percentage of the positive result of revenue after deducting reasonable expenses i.e. cost of goods or services, rent, salary, travel,… as prescribed by the Law on Corporate Income Tax. For corporate income tax, enterprises will temporarily pay quarterly, and the deadline for tax payment is the 30^th day of the first month of the next quarter.

What is deadline for filing personal income tax (PIT) in Vietnam?

Personal income tax is a tax paid by a company on behalf of employees working at the company. Personal income tax is calculated on a monthly basis, and be declared monthly or quarterly and settled annually. If the enterprise declares and pays personal income tax on a monthly basis (in case the enterprise declares value added tax on a monthly basis and the payable personal income tax amount in the month of VND 50 million or more), the deadline of filing PIT is no later than the 20th day of the following month. If the enterprises declare and pay personal income tax quarterly (in case the enterprise declares value added tax quarterly or the enterprise declares value added tax on a monthly basis and the amount of personal income tax must be paid is less than 50 million dong in a month), the deadline for filing PIT is no later than the 30^th day of the next quarter.

It is important to file tax reports of all kinds on time but it is also equally important to manage the tax filing, and paying properly in a way that maximize the benefits of the company according to tax law taking advantage of deduction allowable by laws. Hence tax experts and tax lawyers could be consulted for advice on the regulations and tax laws in Vietnam.

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to international trade and tax to update clients on regular basis.

You could learn more about ANT Lawyers International Trade and Tax or contact our International Trade Dispute Law Firm in Vietnam for advice via email ant@antlawyers.vn or call our office at +84 28 730 86 529

Source ANT Lawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/tax-filing-deadlines-you-need-to-know-in-vietnam.html

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What Attention for Filing PCT Patent Application in Vietnam in 2023?

What Attention for Filing PCT Patent Application in Vietnam in 2023?

There are individuals and companies that believe that by filing a trademark, patent or industrial design application in the host country, they will automatically receive worldwide protection. However, in fact, intellectual property rights are territorial related and Intellectual Property (IP) government offices only grant protection titles according to the laws of the relevant countries (or region). Therefore, the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) was born and signed by the member countries on June 19, 1970 in Washington, the PCT entered into force on June 1, 1978. Vietnam joined the PCT on March 10, 1993.

According to the definition of Vietnam law, an invention is a technical solution in the form of a product or process that aims to solve a defined problem by applying natural laws. In order to be able to obtain patent protection in different countries, an applicant can apply for protection through the PCT, either directly or within 12 months from the date of filing the first patent application filed in a country party to the Paris Convention, designating all countries wishing to register on the same application form, in the same language, and pay a fee.

The applicant needs to prepare a set of application including the following documents:

-02 Patent registration declarations according to Form 01-SC, specified in Appendix A of Circular 16/2016/TT-BKHCN.

-01 Vietnamese translation of the description and summary in the international application (published copy or original submitted, if the application has not been published, and the revised version and explanation of the amendment, if the international application is amended under Article 19 and/or Article 34.2(b) of the Treaty).

-01 Vietnamese translation of the appendices to the international preliminary assessment report (when substantive examination is requested).

-01 original copy of payment receipt (in case of payment of fees and charges via postal service or directly into the account of the National Office of Intellectual Property).

-01 Power of Attorney (in case the application is submitted through a representative).

After fully preparing the application, the applicant submits the application at the National Office of Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The time limit for formal examination is 1 month from the date of application submission. Applications will be published in the 19th month from the priority date or the filing date, if the application does not have a priority date, or within 2 months from the date of acceptance of the valid application, whichever is later. The time limit for substantive examination is not more than 18 months from the date of application publication if the request for substantive examination is filed before the date of application publication or from the date of receipt of the request for substantive examination if such request is filed after date of publication of application.

One of the important steps in filing PCT patent application in Vietnam is to make sure the translation into Vietnamese language match up with the original language. Patent attorneys at ANT Lawyers – a law firm in Vietnam will assist along the process including the translation of the patent and work with the national office of intellectual property in Vietnam to follow the instructions to complete the registration process in Vietnam.

Source ANT Lawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-attention-for-filing-pct-patent-application-in-vietnam.html

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What Are the Advantage of Foreign Investors in Setting up Business in Vietnam in 2023?

What Are the Advantage of Foreign Investors in Setting up Business in Vietnam in 2023?

Located in an important position of Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a long coastline of more than 3,000 km. With a diverse geographical structure interspersed with mountainous, highland and coastal areas suitable for general economic zones, Vietnam has ideal conditions to develop the trade and tourism industries. When setting up business in Vietnam, investors can enjoy financial advantage such as corporate income tax, import and export tax and land finance incentives.

Incentives on corporate income tax: In recent years, Vietnam has gradually reduced the corporate tax rate (CIT). In the 2004-2008 period, CIT was 28%, in the 2009-2013 period it was 25%, from 2014 to 2015, 22% and from January 1, 2016 until now, 20%. In addition, the provision of high corporate income tax incentives for a number of key fields that need to be encouraged for investment has contributed to attracting investment, encouraging business, creating favorable conditions for enterprises to increase accumulation, increase investment in the economy, and promote growth, hence promoting investors in setting up company in Vietnam.

Import and export tax incentives: The 2016 Import and Export Tax Law has added regulations that high-tech enterprises, science-technology enterprises, science-technology organizations are exempted from import tax on raw materials, materials and components that cannot be produced domestically within 5 years from the date of commencement of production. There are also import and export tax incentives being applied such as:

(i) Exemption from import tax for goods imported for processing for foreign countries and when exporting and returning products to foreign parties, they are exempt from export tax;

(ii) Goods imported for processing that are exempted from tax, goods temporarily imported for re-export and goods being raw materials and supplies in service of the production of exported goods can be extended the tax payment time to 275 days from the date of filing the customs declaration; goods temporarily imported for re-export may be extended the tax payment time to 15 days from the expiration date;

(iii) Exemption from import tax on goods to create fixed assets for investment projects in areas of special investment encouragement, investment promotion fields and investment projects in the locality have difficult socio-economic conditions.

Incentives on land finance: Foreign enterprises investing in Vietnam can be applied adjusted reduce rate (%) calculating the general land rent from 1.5% to 1%. In addition, the State also stipulates the application of the land price adjustment coefficient in determining the land price to calculate the land rent, therefore, making Vietnam increasingly becoming a favourable destination to attract foreign investment and company establishment in Southeast Asia.

In addition, the development of a transparent and consistent investment legal system is increasingly becoming a good tool to promote foreign direct investment inflows into Vietnam in the spirit of the state ensuring the rights of the investors’ ownership, investment capital and other interests of foreign organizations and individuals, creating favorable conditions and simplifying procedures for such organizations and individuals to invest in Vietnam. Compared with the foreign investment laws of some countries in the region, the law on foreign investment in Vietnam is considered by the international public to be more open and attractive, for example applying the form of 100% foreign capital ownership, administrative procedures are simplified, non-discriminatory between Vietnamese enterprises and foreign-invested enterprises. The law has been transforming in the direction of considering investment and business as the matters of enterprises and investors, which the investors have full authority to make decisions from investment projects to the formation and business of the enterprise and that the government only guides, creates an open legal environment, has favorable mechanisms and procedures, supervises and enforce the law.

ANT Lawyers – a law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to investment registration or business setting-up in Vietnam.

Source ANT Lawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/what-are-the-advantage-of-foreign-investors-in-setting-up-business-in-vietnam.html

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How Vietnam Has Simplified Procedures to Register Business in Vietnam?

By the end of 2019, there have been more than 30,000 FDI projects choosing Vietnam for investment, with a total registered capital of about 362 billion USD. Recently, business propensity of Vietnam is highly concentrated on the private sector, attracting foreign investors to the Vietnam market.

As Vietnam has built diplomatic relationship with nearly 190 countries around the world and signed about 15 Free Trade Agreements with important trading partners, Vietnam’s participation in various free trade agreements has created a strong impetus for foreign investors from developed countries to set their first steps in the Vietnam.

To be able to register a business in Vietnam, investors need to carry out procedures to apply for the Investment Registration Certificate. After being granted the Investment Registration Certificate, the investor shall  then apply for Enterprise Registration Certificate.

To carry out the process of applying for the Enterprise Registration Certificate, firstly, the investors need to choose a name for the business, which must not be identical or confusing to the name of another business already registered in the National Database of Business Registration on a national scale, except for businesses that have been dissolved or have had effective court decisions declaring businesses bankrupt.

After that, the investors or the authorized person need to prepare a complete set of application dossiers in accordance with the law and submit it at the Business Registration Office where the head office is planned to be located. The Business Registration Office will check the validity of the application dossier, based on the appointment date on the Receipt, the investors or the authorized person can go to the Business Registration Office to receive the results of the application or Register to receive results by post. The time limit for considering and handling the dossier is 03 working days from the date of receiving the valid dossier.

The investor will be granted an Enterprise Registration Certificate when fully meeting the following conditions:

-The registered business lines are not in the prohibited business sectors;

-The business’s name is set in accordance with the provisions of law;

-Having a head office as prescribed by law;

-Having a valid business registration dossier as prescribed by law;

-Fully paying the enterprise registration fee as prescribed by law

Over the years, investors have built confidence in the Vietnam’s business and investment environment. The socio-political and macroeconomic stability are prominent features for the growth of Vietnam’s business potential. The Vietnam government has determined to  simplify the process for investment application. Hence, Vietnam is and will continue to be an attractive investment location, a promising destination for foreign investors for applying for investment registration certificate and register a business in Vietnam compared with other neighboring countries in the region.

ANT Lawyers – a law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to investment registration or business setting-up in Vietnam.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/procedures-to-register-business-in-vietnam.html

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Anti-dumping Measures to H-shaped Steel Products from China

Extension of the Period for Final Review of the Application of Anti-dumping Measures to H-shaped Steel Products from China

On July 12, 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision No. 1377/QD-BCT for extension of the period for final review of the application of anti-dumping measures to some H-shaped steel products originating from the People’s Republic of China (case ER01, AD03).

According to the current Law on Foreign Trade Management, the time limit for the final review of the application of anti-dumping measures shall not exceed 9 months from the date of issuance of the review decision under Decision No. 2301/QD-BCT for final review of the application of anti-dumping measures to some H-shaped steel products originating from the People’s Republic of China (case ER01, AD03) issued on October 13, 2021.

The decision to extend the period for final review of the application of anti-dumping measures to some H-shaped steel products originating from the People’s Republic of China (case ER01.AD03) is based on the fact of the case; to have more time to consider, ensure the investigation is conducted comprehensively and objectively. Accordingly, the deadline for the final review of the case has been extended to September 5, 2022.

If Client needs any more information or request for legal advice or potential dispute regarding trade remedies measures including, anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard measures or international trade dispute matters, our international trade lawyers, countervailing duty lawyers in Vietnam and antitrust lawyers in Vietnam at ANT Lawyers could be of help.

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What are Tools Allow a Business to Protect Intellectual Property?

The Tools Allow a Business to Protect Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is something you have created. It is not just an idea. It must have a content. It can be material such as a design or immaterial such as a software.

To protect intellectual property in a business, different tools can be used depending on your type of creation. There are two mainly different types of protections: automatic protection and protection you have to apply for.

1.Two types of automatic protections : Copyright and Design right

For these both protections you don’t to do any application or pay any fee. Copyright and Design right prevent people from using your work without your permission.

Copyright:

Copyright protection encompasses art, photography, web content, films, music…

To inform that your idea is protected you can mark your work with the following :

The copyright symbol : ©

Your name

The year of creation

If your country has signed international agreements, your work can be protected overseas. Usually the protection lasts around 25 years for photographs and 50 years for the other types of work.

Design right:

Design right protects the shape and configuration of your object. To benefit from this right you will have to prove the date of creation. This protection lasts 10 years once it is sold and 15 years from its creation.

2. Application for protection : Trade marks, patents, registered designs

With the following protections you have the right to take a legal action against someone who uses your creation or invention without your permission.

Trade marks:

Logos, jingles and product names can be protected by Trademarks. The protection lasts 10 years. However it is renewable.

Patents:

A patent is an effective protection for your invention. However the process is time-consuming and very expensive. For instance your invention can be an artistic work, a playing game or a diagnosis. To benefit from this protection, your invention has to be new.

Registered designs:

By registering your design you protect its appearance, decoration or shape. The protection lasts up to 25 years (you have to renew it every 5 years).

At last, to protect your intellectual property you can also sign an non-disclosure agreement. In the contract you share confidential information that can include intellectual property. The second party is not allowed to disclose this information.

Source: Quora

ANT Lawyers, a law firm with a team of experienced lawyers, IP consultants and IP services in Vietnam in the field of Intellectual Property will help customers implement procedures for registering intellectual property rights in Vietnam the most effective way.

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What Foreign Investors Should Consider in Making Investment in Conditional Areas?

What Foreign Investors Should Consider in Making Investment in Conditional Areas?

In the context of integration and globalization, the number of foreign investors whom wish to make investment and establish business in Vietnam has increased due to the attractiveness of the growing middle class population, availability of skilled resources, and Vietnam openness policies. To register a business in Vietnam, however, foreign investors must meet the requirements of Vietnam and international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

Firstly, the field in which foreign investors wish to conduct business must not be on the list of industries that have been denied entry to the market for foreign investors or are prohibited from doing so under the Law on Investment.

Secondly, foreign investors may be restricted to the percentage of charter capital ownership in some economic organizations.  For example, foreign investors ownership could only be up to 30% of charter capital of a commercial bank in Vietnam.  Limiting the amount of charter capital is indirectly restricting the management and control rights of investors. Instead of freely making policies or decisions, foreign investors have to depend on other members of the company, namely domestic investors. The investors are suggested to consult with corporate lawyers in Vietnam or banking and finance dispute lawyers in Vietnam for specific details in the specialized area like banking or finance.

Thirdly, foreign investors must consider the type of firm they want to register. A foreign insurance enterprise, for example, may operate in Vietnam as an insurance limited liability company or as a branch of a foreign non-life insurance enterprise. If the investor registers the establishment of an enterprise that is not under Vietnam law and the international treaties that Vietnam has signed, the application for registration is considered invalid. In addition, each type will also have certain limitations. For example, setting up a joint stock company might not be suitable for all investors. In the governance of a joint stock company, the decision-making process is complicated and time-consuming with different sequences and procedures.

Finally, the Vietnam law also have requirements on the legal status, financial status, and competence of investors in certain professions. To establish a company in Vietnam, foreign investors must meet all the prescribed conditions.

In conclusion, the foreign investors would need to undertake the legal research into the business it wish to register in Vietnam, and make strategic decision considering the legal and business requirements to maximize the benefits Vietnam would bring.

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam could offer service to set up company in Vietnam. We assist clients needing legal service in obtaining investment certificate, business registration certificate, or other  licensing procedures.

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Copyright Law Firm in Vietnam

Copyright is violated on a regular basis in the music, publishing and software industries. We are a copyright consultant in Vietnam with lawyers with qualification and experience to assist client from application, protection, and dispute handling process.

ANT Lawyers IP practice offers client in protecting and enforcing copyrights and similar intellectual property rights as following:

-Advise legal matters of copyright and related rights in Vietnam and abroad;

-Conduct searches and provide information on copyright and related rights, advice measures to protect copyright and related rights in Vietnam and abroad;

-Complete the applications and file to register copyright and related rights;

-Enforce the copyright and related rights, including investigation, supervision, negotiation, mediation, lawsuit initiation to handle infringement in Vietnam and oversea.

With highly professional staff and great experience in Copyright and Related right aspect in Vietnam and other countries in the world, ANT Lawyers - Copyright Law Firm in Vietnam would like to support and represent the clients in protecting copyright and related right.

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What is a Trademark?

A Trademark generally refers to a “brand” or “logo”.

Trademark registration can also be obtained for a business name, distinctive catch phrases, taglines or captions.

Properly used and promoted, a Trademark may become the most valuable asset of a business. Trademarks such as Coca Cola, HP, Canon, Nike and Adidas serve as an indication of origin of the goods as well as an indication of quality.

It is also essential to obtain trademark registration for the business name/trade name under the Trademarks Act. Registration of a company or business name under the Companies Act does not in itself give protection against others who might commence using identical or similar marks.

Use of TM, SM and ® symbols

'TM' stands for Trademark and 'SM' stands for Servicemark. The use of TM and SM symbols notifies the public that the company is claiming exclusive ownership of the trademark and can generally be used by one who has filed a trademark application.

The ® symbol, can be used only once the trademark is registered and the registration certificate is issued. Also, you may use the registration symbol only in connection with the goods and/or services in respect of which the trademark is registered.

Source: Quora

If you're looking for affordable Trademark attorneys in Vietnam, check out ANT Lawyers was established to meet these needs by providing fast, effective and economical solutions. Hope that clears things up a bit. Feel free to message me directly to chat further about any other IP questions that you face.

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What is the importance of trademark registration?

Trademark Registration is a legal protection for your Brand name which can’t be copied by any other party Legally. If in case they copy that brand then through the Rights under Intellectual Property Act. The owner of the Trademark can recover the whole profit earned with the name of Registered Trademark.

Many of my clients have said that their lenders or investors felt more comfortable once registration was achieved in important countries.

if you have registrations in major countries such as US, UK you can persuade amazon, eBay etc. to shut down infringing websites without the time and expense of court action.

Customers even search and see you are serious about your rights. It is so cheap to do you look very cheap if you don’t do it.

If you need to prevent infringing use by competitors the court will assume that your right is valid until the other side has proved that it is not. The percentage of registrations found invalid is minuscule. Once you have registration it can be renewed forever as of right. In the UK registration no 1 remains valid as the owners renewed it every ten years since 1876. You have to police the use of the mark, use and renew and then it’s yours forever.

If you have a registration potential licenses have an easy way of finding you. Lenders can give loans secured on registrations.

Source: Quora

ANT Lawyers - IP services in Vietnam located in the business centers of Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh city. We provide convenient access to our clients. Please contact our lawyers in Vietnam for Trademark registration services in Vietnam via email ant@antlawyers.vn or call our office at +84 28 730 86 529.

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What cannot be registered as trademark?

A trademark has to have one basic feature that is it should be unique and create a brand identity for a product. So if a trademark is such that does not create any brand for a product can't be trademarked. A trademark should not be a conflicting trademarks with others. It means the trademarks should not create confusion between two trademarks.

In general:

-Generic words can't be trademarked. For example you can't trademark the words like TV, Fridge, scooter, car etc.

-The names of the cities and countries can not be trademarked.

-The names of Gods and Godesses and the names of religious books can not be trademarked. For example you can't trademark *Lord Ram* or *Ramayana*

-Surnames can not be trademarked under normal circumstances. For Example you can't trademark *Sharma*

-Names of Constitutional Posts or Government posts can't be trademarked. For examples you can't trademark *Prime Minister of Vietnam

-Words which denote illegal or Immoral acts can't be trademarked. For example you can't trademark *Let's cheat* or *Let's grope*

-Words which are prohibited under names and emblems act can't be trademarked. For example, you can't trademark the official sign of Government of Vietnam.

Hope this helps!

Source: Quora

ANT Lawyers - IP services in Vietnam located in the business centers of Hanoi, Danang, Ho Chi Minh city. We provide convenient access to our clients. Please contact our lawyers in Vietnam for Trademark registration services in Vietnam via email ant@antlawyers.vn or call our office at +84 28 730 86 529.

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How US Authorities Could Request for Help on Taking the Evidence in Vietnam for Civil or Commercial Matters?

How US Authorities Could Request for Help on Taking the Evidence in Vietnam for Civil or Commercial Matters?

The Evidence Collection Convention is a multilateral Hague Conference convention that was signed on March 18, 1970 and went into effect on October 7, 1972. The objective of the Convention is to facilitate the collection of evidence and to harmonize the methods of evidence collection between States.

On May 3, 2020, Vietnam became a party to the Convention on the Collection of Evidence Abroad. After becoming a member of this Convention, Vietnam only applies and accepts requests for evidence collection by a written request as described in Chapter I of this Convention. As a result, Vietnam does not use the process of gathering evidence carried out by a diplomatic officer, consular officer, or authorized person in Chapter II of the Convention.

Procedures for collecting evidence between the United States and Vietnam under the Hague Convention

Both Vietnam and the United States are parties to the Convention on Collection of Evidence. However, since Vietnam only participates in collecting evidence in writing, the United States has to collect evidence in Vietnam via this method.

Step 1: The U.S. Agency sends a written request to collect evidence to the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam

In the settling a case involving a civil or commercial field, the party can request the Court to assist in collecting evidence in Vietnam. The US judicial agency will issue a written request for evidence collection to the competent Vietnamese agency (specifically, the Ministry of Justice). This document must ensure that follow the contents of Article 3 of the Convention, and must be written in Vietnamese or accompanied by a Vietnamese translation and delivered via postal service.

Step 2: A written request for evidence collection is received by Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice of Vietnam will receive the request for evidence and decide whether or not to comply with the request for evidence collection. In the event of a refusal, the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam must clearly state the reasons specified in Article 12 of this Convention. For example, the request is not within the scope of the Convention in the civil and commercial fields, or the implementation of which may be detrimental to the sovereignty and security of that country, etc.

Step 3: The Ministry of Justice requests competent agencies to collect evidence

After having sufficient grounds to handle the request of the U.S. Agency, the Department of Justice will send a written acceptance of the request to collect evidence to the United States and forward it to the competent domestic agency for collection evidence process. The Vietnam agency will notify the U.S. Agency of the time, place, and procedures to collect evidence to be followed so that relevant parties and their representatives can be present.

When making the written request, a judicial officer from a U.S. agency may be present, and this presence has to be approved by the Vietnam Agency. Further, according to Article 11 of this Convention, the person being asked to provide evidence has the right to refuse to comply with the request for evidence collection if required by Vietnam law or  in the written request for evidence collection state that they can refuse to provide evidence expressly stated.

Step 4: The Ministry of Justice of Vietnam sends a written response on the results of evidence collection to the U.S. Agency

After receiving the results of evidence collection from other agencies, the Ministry of Justice sends a written response to the results of evidence collection to the U.S. Agency to compete the process.

To comply with the process and ensure the evidence could be properly collected for usage in trial, it is important to consult with dispute lawyers in Vietnam for legal advice.

ANT Lawyers, as a law firm in Vietnam, will always follows up the evidence in Vietnam for civil or commercial matters to update clients on regular basis.

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How Guardianship of Minors is Regulated in Vietnam Laws?

How Guardianship of Minors is Regulated in Vietnam Laws?

Guardianship under Vietnam laws aims to protect the legitimate rights and interests of groups that are not yet fully developed physically or mentally. There are two forms of guardianship prescribed by law: natural guardians and guardians appointed by a competent state agency, in which natural guardians can only be individuals. This type of guardianship is defined by the provisions of the guardian, the ward, and the rights and obligations of the guardian towards the ward and their property. There are potential disputes in finance or caring responsibility among people having responsibility of guardship therefore it is important to understand the order of natural guardians when life event happens that trigger the need for guardianship. Hence, having the advice form civil or marriage and family dispute lawyers in Vietnam with understanding of the matters is very important.Minors (a person under 18 years old) who have lost their parents are one of the subjects of guardianship under Vietnamese law. They are considered vulnerable in the society and need to be cared for and protected. Therefore, to avoid the case that these people have no guardians when their parents suddenly die, civil law has provided a provision to determine the order of natural guardians based on their blood relationship as follows: (i) the eldest brother or sister shall be the guardian of the ward; if the eldest brother or sister fails to satisfy all requirements for acting as a guardian, the next eldest brother or sister shall be the guardian, unless otherwise agreed that another biological brother or sister shall be the guardian; (ii) the paternal grandfather, grandmother or the maternal grandfather, grandmother shall be the guardian or these persons agree to appoint one or several of them as guardians; (iii) a biological uncle or aunt of the ward shall be the guardian.

Thus, in the same order as above, the natural guardian of a minor will always be specifically identified and this person must ensure that the guardian’s conditions are fully met, including:  having full legal capacity; having good ethics, and necessary means to exercise rights and fulfill obligations of a guardian; not being a person facing criminal prosecution or a person who has been convicted but his/her criminal record has been not expunged for a deliberate crime of violation of life, health, honor, dignity or property of another person; and not being a person having parental rights to minor child restricted by a Court.

In case a minor does not have a natural guardian, the commune-level People’s Committee of the place where they reside shall have to appoint a guardian. In addition, if there is a dispute between the natural guardians about the guardian or a dispute over the appointment of the guardian, the Court will appoint the guardian.

Accordingly, when a minor loses their parents, according to the law, their biological brother or sister will be their natural guardian. However, if this person does not have a biological brother or sister, the paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents will be the natural guardians of this person, and both of them have equal rights in guardianship for their grandchildren minors under the provisions of the Civil Code the Law on Marriage and Family as follows: “Paternal grandparents and  maternal grandparents have the right and obligation to look after, care for and educate their grandchildren, lead an exemplary life and set a good example for grandchildren; in case a minor grandchild or an adult grandchild loses his/her civil act capacity or is unable to work and has no property to support himself or herself without a caregiver as prescribed in Article 105 of this Law, paternal grandparents, and maternal grandparents have the duty to raise their grandchildren.”

The law always respects the voluntary agreement of the involved parties in determining guardianship for minors who have lost their parents. Paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents may agree to appoint one or several of them as guardians for their minor grandchildren according to regulations. In case the two parties cannot agree on a guardian for the grandchild, this is another type of marriage and family dispute. Therefore, pursuant to the Civil Procedure Code, one of the parties can make an application to the competent district court to request the court to settle the case according to civil procedure. The court will base on the facts of the case, the conditions of the guardianship of the parties, the emotional relationship between the guardian and the ward, and the capability to ensure the best physical and mental development to decide to assign the child to whom to act as guardian. In addition, if the ward is six years old or older, the Court will have to consider their wishes during the dispute resolution process to make a decision to appoint the most suitable guardian.

In summary, Vietnam law has clear and specific provisions to determine natural guardians for minors who have lost their parents. In addition, the law also stipulates that the determination of guardians may involve the intervention of a competent state agency, namely the People’s Committee, and the Court in the event of a dispute between guardians to appoint a guardian equitably. All these regulations ensure that minors are cared for and nurtured in the best conditions for future development.

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to marriage and family to update clients on regular basis.

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