Patent search in Vietnam

1. DATABASES

In Vietnam, there are three databases which can be applied for conducting patent searches, particularly:

1.1. Firm database:

Firm database is created by each IP firm in Vietnam by manually collecting data from handled patent cases and collecting published data from the IP Vietnam. Generally, firm database is a good database to refer basic information of patents. However, it is not full enough to conduct every patent search case.

At HAIHAN-IP, we have our own database which is a combination of Intellectual Property Gazette of Patents, IP libarary of the IP Vietnam, and Industrial Property data and service platform.

1.2. IPLib:

IPLib is the published intellectual property library which can be accessed at http://iplib.noip.gov.vn. It is very easy and convenient to conduct a quick patent search using IPLib to know rough information about the target application such as applicant, PCT application number, priority date, IPCs, publication number, title and abstract. However, it is impossible to know description and the claims of the target applications. In addition, information about legal status, recordal of change, annuity payment is not updated. The interval for update of IPLib is from 5 to 7 months and most information uploaded to IPLib is brief. Therefore, if a client wishes to search a status of a patent application, the information collected from IP Lib may not be updated yet to show a correct result.

1.3. Internal Patent Database of the IP Vietnam:

The internal database of IP Vietnam is a full database that examiners can use to conduct patent searches. It is updated regularly at an interval of about 2 to 3 days.

2. CONDUCTING PATENT SEARCH THROUGH HAIHAN-IP

HAIHAN-IP has an experienced team to conduct patent searches for clients. Our patent search specialists and attorneys have successfully accomplished many different patent search cases. We can handle varied requests, for example, patent status search, patent search by keywords, patent search by applicants, patent search by priority number, patent corresponding search by international application number, patent clearance search in Vietnam (patent FTO search in Vietnam) and so forth.

To handle a specific search request, we must go step by step as follows:

- Analyse the patent search request;

- Advise the client about the cost and delivery time;

- Conduct patent search using one updated database;

- Collect search result, check, review and provide the client with a patent search report.

DATABASE WE USE: From the scope of patent searches, we will select one of the above-mentioned databases or combination of them to accomplish the searches so that the Search Result is correct and any data reported is the most updated.

To demonstrate one typical Patent search in Vietnam which has been handled by HAIHAN-IP, please refer to our search as below:

(1) SEARCH REQUEST:

Search to know if there is any patent application or/and patent in Vietnam from or corresponding to the international application:

N° WO03091008 filed by the applicant Composite Technology Corporation "ALUMINUM CONDUCTOR COMPOSITE CORE REINFORCED CABLE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE”, under priority of US n° S.N 60/374,879.

In particular:
- Application under examination or issued?
- If the application has been rejected: was it under examination or during opposition? Is it still possible to request restitution of the application?
- What is the date of the last annuity paid?

(2) HAIHAN-IP's REPORT:

Supporting document extracted from database of the IP Vietnam is attached as below:

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For any enquires, please do not hesitate to contact us at

HAIHAN IP LAW FIRM

12A Floor, Center Building Hapulico Complex, No. 1 Nguyen Huy Tuong, Thanh Xuan Trung Ward, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi City, Vietnam.

Tel:             +84-24-3202 8111 / +84-24-3202 8222

Fax:            +84-24-3202 8333

Hotline:      +84-983 788 469

Email:         hh@haihan.vn

HAIHAN-IP is a registered IP Firm (Agent code of 174) licensed by The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP VIETNAM) since 2013.