The Trump administration has initiated an investigation into Vietnam’s intellectual property (IP) protection policies, potentially leading to new tariffs or trade measures. This move comes as the U.S. Trade Representative’s office identified Vietnam as a priority country due to unresolved concerns about IP protection and enforcement.

Concerns Over IP Enforcement

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer highlighted that while Vietnam has made some progress in addressing IP issues, ongoing infringements continue to harm the competitive position of U.S. innovators. Greer emphasized the need for Vietnam to resolve these concerns in a sustainable manner that deters future infringements.

Leif Schneider, head of international law firm Luther in Vietnam, noted that Vietnam has made significant strides in modernizing its IP regulatory framework over the past decade. However, the challenge remains in implementation, with administrative enforcement being inconsistent and penalties lacking deterrent effect. Online infringement, in particular, continues to outpace regulatory capacity.

Impact on Trade Relations

Counterfeit goods were reportedly available in Hanoi’s wholesale markets, and streaming websites based in Vietnam offered pirated content despite recent government crackdowns. These issues have persisted even after the Trump administration imposed tariffs of 46% on Vietnamese imports last year, which have since been reduced to 10%.

Vietnam has been in negotiations with the U.S., its largest export market, for a trade agreement over the past year. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has opened a docket for public comments on the matter, with submissions accepted through July 2.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.