Vietnamese government issues decree for stronger copyright protection, enforcement
13 February 2026
Copyright protection in Vietnam is set to strengthen under Decree No. 341/2025/ND-CP, promulgated on December 26, 2025, which takes effect on February 15, 2026.
It replaces Decree No. 131/2013/ND-CP, issued on October 13, 2013, and which contains administrative sanctions for copyright infringement activities and related violations.
Decree No. 341/2025/ND-CP includes 35 acts of infringement related to copyright and other related rights, as well as eight related administrative violations committed on the internet by domestic and foreign entities. These include acts of infringement committed online.
The decree maintains a maximum fine of D250 million (US$9,600) for individuals and D500 million (US$19,200) for organizations. However, when calculating fines, illegal profit, damage to rights holders, and the value of the infringing goods will now be considered.
Among the specifics are:
- For violation of the author’s rights, including naming rights, fines are from D1 million (US$40) to D30 million (US$1,200).
- For violations related to public performance or broadcast, the maximum fine is D50 million (US$1,900).
- For unauthorized distribution, maximum fine is D100 million (US$3,900).
- For illegal importation, maximum fine is D200 million (US$7,700).
- For infringement of related rights (copying/distribution), the maximum fine is D250 million (US$9,600).
Decree No. 341/2025/ND-CP also raises the number of remedial measures from the original four to 29. Among the newly added measures are issuance of mandatory public apologies, surrender of copyright certificates, blocking of access to digital content or material that is infringing, and mandatory disgorgement of illegal profits.
Enforcement authorities are the following: People’s Committees at all levels, Inspectors of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and Vietnam Maritime Waterway Administration, leaders of state management agencies in relevant sectors such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, directors general of the broadcasting, press and publishing authorities and law enforcement agencies such as the police, coast guard and customs authorities among others.
- Espie Angelica A. de Leon
