1. Course Introduction

Welcome to the “Vietnam Intellectual Property Essentials: A Must-Have Course for SME Managers and Employees”. In today’s competitive global market, intellectual property protection is essential for SMEs operating in Vietnam. This course aims to provide you with a comprehensive and practical knowledge base on intellectual property rights, helping you better protect and utilize your business’s intangible assets in the Vietnamese market.

The main goal of this course is to provide students with a deep understanding of Vietnam’s intellectual property system and the ability to apply this knowledge in practice. We will explore core concepts such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, while focusing on intellectual property issues unique to the manufacturing industry. By combining theoretical learning with practical cases, we aim to cultivate students’ awareness of intellectual property rights and improve their ability to identify, protect, and manage intellectual property rights in daily operations.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Understanding the basic framework of Vietnam’s intellectual property legal system
• Identify protectable IP assets within your business
• Understand the basic procedures for applying and registering various types of intellectual property rights in Vietnam
• Develop an intellectual property management strategy that is suitable for your company
• Learn how to deal with intellectual property infringement issues
• Using intellectual property to promote corporate innovation and market competitiveness

This course is divided into ten core modules, covering a comprehensive range of content from basic concepts to practical applications. Each module contains theoretical explanations, case analysis and interactive exercises to ensure that students can deeply understand and apply what they have learned in practice. The course also has a final project, giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to real-world situations.

We believe that through this course, you will be better able to protect and develop your business in the Vietnamese market and make full use of intellectual property rights to create value for your business. Whether you are a business manager or an employee responsible for intellectual property affairs, this course will provide you with valuable insights and practical skills to help you develop your business in Vietnam.

Let us explore the world of intellectual property together and help your business succeed in the Vietnamese market.

2. Module 1: Overview of Intellectual Property Rights in Vietnam

In today’s globalized business environment, intellectual property protection has become a key factor in corporate competitiveness. This module will introduce you to the basic concepts of intellectual property, Vietnam’s intellectual property legal system, and the importance of intellectual property to enterprises. It will also showcase stories of Vietnamese companies that have successfully protected intellectual property through actual cases.

What is intellectual property? Intellectual property refers to the intellectual achievements of human beings in creative activities, which give the creator the exclusive right to use the achievements for a certain period of time. In Vietnam, the main types of intellectual property include patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. Patents protect new inventions; trademarks protect marks used to distinguish the source of goods or services; copyrights protect literary, artistic and scientific works; and trade secrets protect confidential information with commercial value.

Vietnam’s intellectual property legal system is based on international standards while taking into account the country’s specific conditions. The Intellectual Property Law, adopted in 2005, is the cornerstone of Vietnam’s intellectual property protection, and the law has been revised several times to adapt to the changing business environment and international commitments. Vietnam is also a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), and has signed a number of international intellectual property treaties, such as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

The importance of intellectual property rights to enterprises cannot be ignored. First, it provides protection for enterprise innovation and encourages investment in research and development. Second, a strong intellectual property portfolio can become an intangible asset of an enterprise and increase its value. Third, intellectual property rights can create additional income through licensing or transfer. Finally, in a highly competitive market, intellectual property rights can help enterprises establish a unique market position and brand image. For small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Vietnam, understanding and effectively utilizing the intellectual property protection mechanism can provide a solid guarantee for enterprise development.

Let’s understand the importance of IP protection through a real case. Trung Nguyen, a local Vietnamese coffee brand, began to pay attention to IP protection in the late 1990s. The company not only registered multiple trademarks, but also applied for patent protection for its unique coffee recipe. These measures enabled Trung Nguyen to establish strong brand recognition in the Vietnamese coffee market and successfully prevented multiple counterfeiting activities. When the company began to expand internationally, these IP assets became a valuable competitive advantage, helping Trung Nguyen quickly establish its brand image in the international market.

Through this module, you will gain a deeper understanding of the basic concepts of intellectual property, Vietnam’s intellectual property legal environment, and how to use intellectual property protection to enhance corporate competitiveness. In the following modules, we will explore in detail the various types of intellectual property and their specific applications in Vietnam.

3.Module 2: Patent Basics

Small and medium-sized enterprises doing business in the Vietnamese market must understand the basics of patent protection. This module will take a deep dive into Vietnam’s patent system to help you identify and protect your business’s innovations.

First, we will introduce the three main types of patents recognized by Vietnam’s patent law: invention patents, utility patents and design patents. Invention patents protect novel, creative and practical technical solutions and are applicable to major technological breakthroughs. Utility patents target improvements to product shape, structure or their combination and are usually used to protect small inventions or improvements. Design patents protect the novel appearance of products and are particularly important for manufacturing companies. We will explain in detail the characteristics and scope of application of each patent through examples to help you determine which patent is suitable for your company’s innovative achievements.

Next, we will introduce the patent application process in Vietnam in detail. From preparing application documents to submitting applications, from formal examination to substantive examination (only applicable to invention patents), to final authorization, each step is crucial. We will focus on how to write high-quality patent application documents and how to effectively respond to examination opinions. At the same time, we will also share some practical tips to speed up the examination process to help you gain an advantage in the fiercely competitive market.

The third part will focus on the duration and maintenance of patent rights. In Vietnam, the protection period of invention patents is 20 years, utility model patents is 10 years, and design patents is 5 years (renewable twice, each for 5 years). We will explain in detail how to calculate the protection period and how to maintain patent rights by paying annual fees on time. In addition, we will also discuss the termination, invalidation and abandonment of patent rights to help you fully understand the life cycle management of patent rights.

Finally, we designed a practical activity: Identifying patentable innovations in your business. Through interactive exercises, you will learn how to discover potential patentable technologies or designs in your daily operations. We will provide an evaluation checklist to help you make a preliminary judgment on whether an innovation meets the conditions for patent application. At the same time, we will also discuss how to establish a mechanism for innovation identification and patent application within the company to ensure that no important innovation opportunities are missed.

Through this module, you will be able to understand the basic framework of Vietnam’s patent system, master the key knowledge of patent application and maintenance, and be able to identify and protect innovative achievements in corporate practice. These skills will help your company build a strong patent portfolio in the Vietnamese market and lay a solid intellectual property foundation for the long-term development of the company.

4.Module 3: Trademark Protection

In the Vietnamese market, trademark protection is crucial to corporate brand building and market competition. This module will explore in depth the basic concepts, registration process, usage strategies and infringement cases of trademarks to help small and medium-sized enterprises better protect their rights and interests.

First, we will clarify the definition and types of trademarks. In Vietnam, trademarks are defined as visual signs used to distinguish the goods or services of different business entities. We will introduce in detail the different types of trademarks, such as word trademarks, graphic trademarks, combination trademarks, and non-traditional trademarks (such as three-dimensional trademarks and sound trademarks), and explore the application and protection characteristics of each type in the Vietnamese market.

Next, we will analyze the trademark registration process in Vietnam in detail. This includes pre-application preparations, such as trademark searches and registration strategy formulation; preparation of application documents, including filling out application forms, classification of goods and services; and the review process after submitting the application to the Vietnam National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP). We will also discuss the handling of special situations such as priority applications and rejection reviews to help companies complete registration more smoothly.

The third part will focus on trademark use and management strategies. We will explore how to properly use registered trademarks in products, packaging, and advertising, as well as how to protect trademark rights. We will also introduce the legal provisions and practical operations of trademark licensing and assignment, as well as how to deal with trademark infringement. In particular, we will discuss trademark use strategies on e-commerce platforms and social media, which are particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises doing business in Vietnam.

Finally, we will analyze trademark infringement issues in the Vietnamese market through real case studies. We will select several typical cases covering different types of infringement, such as brand imitation and trademark counterfeiting. Through these cases, we will explore the manifestations of infringement, legal consequences, and how right holders can effectively protect their rights. We will also summarize the lessons learned from these cases and provide practical prevention suggestions for enterprises.

Through this module, students will have a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s trademark protection system, master practical skills in trademark registration and management, and be able to identify and respond to potential infringement risks. This knowledge will help small and medium-sized enterprises better protect and develop their brands in the Vietnamese market and enhance their competitive advantages.

5. Module 4: Copyright Protection

In Vietnam, copyright protection is an integral part of the intellectual property system and is particularly important for businesses. This module will delve into the core concepts and practical applications of copyright protection.

First, we will clarify the objects of copyright protection. In Vietnam, copyright protection covers a wide range of literary, artistic and scientific works. This includes not only traditional books, music and paintings, but also modern forms of creation such as computer programs, databases and architectural designs. We will explain in detail how various types of works are protected by copyright law through practical examples, helping companies to accurately identify their protectable intellectual assets.

Next, we will explore an important feature of Vietnamese copyright law: the principle of automatic protection. According to this principle, works are automatically protected by copyright once they are created, without the need for registration. However, we will also delve into the benefits of copyright registration in Vietnam. Although not mandatory, registration can provide strong evidentiary support in copyright disputes and may result in higher compensation in litigation. Through comparative analysis, we will help companies weigh the need to register copyright for their important works.

In the digital age, copyright protection faces new challenges. We will discuss copyright issues in the digital environment, such as online piracy, the responsibilities of content sharing platforms, and the application of digital rights management (DRM) technology. In particular, we will explore Vietnam’s legal developments and practical experience in recent years in addressing these challenges, and provide practical advice for businesses to protect their copyright in the digital environment.

Finally, we will guide participants to identify and manage their company’s copyright assets through an interactive practical activity. This activity will simulate a typical scenario of Vietnamese SMEs, requiring participants to comprehensively sort out their company’s copyright assets, develop protection strategies, and explore how to commercialize these assets. We will provide a copyright asset inventory template to help companies establish a systematic copyright management system.

Through the study of this module, participants will be able to fully understand the core concepts of Vietnamese copyright law, identify copyright assets in enterprises, and develop effective copyright protection and management strategies. This knowledge will help enterprises better protect and utilize their creative achievements in the highly competitive Vietnamese market, and provide strong support for enterprise innovation and development.

6. Module 5: Trade Secrets

In Vietnam’s rapidly developing manufacturing industry, trade secret protection is increasingly becoming the key to a company’s core competitiveness. This module delves into the concept of trade secrets and their importance in the Vietnamese business environment. We first clarify the legal definition of trade secrets. According to Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Law, trade secrets refer to information that is not known to the public, has commercial value, and has taken necessary confidentiality measures. This may include production formulas, technical know-how, customer lists, etc. We will analyze why effectively protecting this information is crucial to the continued development of enterprises in the highly competitive Vietnamese market.

Next, we will discuss in detail practical strategies for protecting trade secrets in the Vietnamese environment. This includes establishing a comprehensive information classification system, implementing strict access control measures, and using technical means such as encryption software to protect sensitive data. We will also explore how to protect trade secrets when working with suppliers and customers, which is particularly important in the complex supply chain of Vietnam’s manufacturing industry.

Employees are the key to protecting trade secrets and are also the biggest potential risk. This section will focus on how to formulate an effective employee confidentiality agreement that complies with Vietnamese labor law and maximizes the protection of corporate interests. We will provide sample clauses and discuss how to continue to protect trade secrets after employees leave.

Finally, by deeply analyzing actual cases of trade secrets leakage in Vietnam, we will show the serious consequences that leakage may bring. This includes a case where the core technology of a well-known shoe factory was leaked, resulting in a sharp decline in market share, and a huge loss suffered by an electronic component manufacturer due to the leakage of customer information by a former employee. Through these cases, students will have a deeper understanding of the importance of trade secret protection and learn how to deal with potential leakage risks.

This module aims to help Vietnamese SME managers and employees fully understand the importance of trade secrets and master practical protection strategies, so as to maintain their unique advantages in the highly competitive Vietnamese manufacturing market. By combining theoretical explanations with practical cases, participants will be able to immediately apply what they have learned to daily business practices.

7. Module 6: Intellectual Property Management Practice

This module aims to help SME managers and employees transform IP theory into practical management practices. We will explore in depth how to systematically manage the IP assets of an enterprise to maximize their value and create competitive advantages for the enterprise.

First, we will introduce the concept and methods of corporate intellectual property audits. Intellectual property audits are a key step in identifying, evaluating, and managing corporate intellectual property assets. We will discuss how to conduct a comprehensive intellectual property inventory, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. At the same time, we will also explore how to evaluate the legal status, usage, and potential risks of these assets. Through case analysis, participants will understand how intellectual property audits can help companies discover hidden value and potential problems.

Next, we will delve into how to develop an effective IP strategy. A good IP strategy should be consistent with the company’s overall business goals. We will discuss how to develop an appropriate IP strategy based on the company’s development stage, industry characteristics, and competitive environment. This includes deciding which innovations to protect, how to protect them, and how to use IP in different markets. We will also explore the pros and cons of defensive and offensive IP strategies, and how to find a balance between protection and sharing.

This module will also cover the basics of IP asset valuation. Understanding the value of IP is crucial for a company’s strategic decision-making, financing, and M&A activities. We will introduce several commonly used IP valuation methods, such as the cost approach, market approach, and income approach. Through real-world cases, students will learn how to preliminarily assess the value of a company’s IP assets and how to use this information to support business decisions.

Finally, as a practical activity, participants will have the opportunity to develop an IP management plan for their own company (or a fictitious case company). This plan will include the results of the IP audit, the formulation of strategic goals, specific implementation steps, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Participants will be encouraged to consider the characteristics of their own company and the challenges it faces and develop a practical management plan.

By studying this module, business managers and employees will be able to manage the company’s intellectual property assets more systematically and strategically. They will master practical tools and methods to organically combine intellectual property management with daily business decisions, thereby creating greater value for the company.

8. Module 7: Intellectual Property Dispute Resolution

In the Vietnamese market, intellectual property disputes are increasingly becoming a major challenge facing companies. This module will explore various aspects of intellectual property disputes in depth and provide companies with practical solutions.

First, we will introduce the common types of intellectual property infringement in Vietnam. This includes but is not limited to trademark counterfeiting, patent infringement, copyright theft and trade secret theft. We will use actual cases to help students identify various infringements and understand the damage these acts may cause to the company. It is particularly worth noting that in Vietnam’s manufacturing industry, technology imitation and brand counterfeiting are the most common forms of infringement.

Next, we will take a deep look at Vietnam’s IP enforcement mechanism. Vietnam has made significant progress in IP protection in recent years, but there are still some challenges in the enforcement system. We will analyze the roles and responsibilities of relevant departments such as the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam), the Market Administration, and Customs in IP protection. At the same time, we will also discuss how the latest legal amendments and policy changes affect the efficiency and effectiveness of IP enforcement.

Part III will focus on the three major avenues for resolving IP disputes in Vietnam: administrative, civil and criminal proceedings. Administrative proceedings are usually faster and less costly, and are suitable for handling simple infringement cases. Civil proceedings allow right holders to seek higher compensation, but the process may be longer. Criminal proceedings are mainly used to deal with serious and large-scale infringements. We will compare the pros and cons of these three avenues in detail to help companies choose the most appropriate solution based on their specific circumstances.

Finally, we will present several typical case studies to demonstrate successful examples of intellectual property rights protection in Vietnam. These cases will cover different types of intellectual property rights and enterprises of different sizes, as well as different solutions adopted. By analyzing these cases, participants will learn about the strategies and techniques for effectively protecting intellectual property rights in the Vietnamese market. We will focus on a case of how a small and medium-sized manufacturing company successfully combated counterfeit products, and a case of how a technology company protected its patent rights through both administrative and civil means.

Through the study of this module, enterprise managers and employees will be able to better prevent intellectual property disputes and take effective countermeasures when encountering infringement issues. Our goal is to help enterprises establish a strong intellectual property protection system in the Vietnamese market, thereby providing strong support for the long-term development of enterprises.

9. Module 8: Cross-border Intellectual Property Protection

In a globalized economy, cross-border IP protection is essential for SMEs doing business in Vietnam. This module will delve into the international IP protection mechanism and how to effectively protect your IP assets in Vietnam and other countries simultaneously.

First, we will introduce the main international IP treaties and agreements that affect Vietnam. We will focus on how the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) sets minimum standards for IP protection in Vietnam. We will also analyze the Madrid System, which allows companies to register trademarks in multiple countries through a single application, greatly simplifying the cross-border trademark protection process. In addition, we will briefly introduce the importance of the Paris Convention and the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) for seeking patent protection in Vietnam.

Next, we will explore strategies for protecting IP in Vietnam and in your country of origin. This includes how to use the priority system to apply for patents or trademarks in multiple countries, and how to coordinate the application time and requirements in different countries. We will share some practical tips, such as how to choose the right local agent, and how to effectively manage an IP portfolio in multiple countries. Special emphasis will be placed on the main differences between Vietnam’s IP laws and those of other countries to help businesses avoid common pitfalls.

We will then focus on intellectual property issues in cross-border e-commerce. With the rapid development of Vietnam’s e-commerce market, businesses are facing new challenges and opportunities. We will discuss how to protect your brand and products on major e-commerce platforms, how to deal with cross-border counterfeiting and infringement issues, and how to take advantage of the platforms’ intellectual property protection mechanisms. In addition, we will also explore copyright issues in digital marketing and how to protect your intellectual property on social media.

Finally, we will consolidate what we have learned through a practical activity. Participants will be asked to develop a comprehensive cross-border IP protection plan for a fictitious SME. This plan should include protection strategies in Vietnam and at least one other major market (such as China or the United States), taking into account different types of IP rights (such as patents, trademarks, copyrights) as well as online and offline protection measures. Participants will need to consider budget constraints and come up with innovative, cost-effective solutions.

By studying this module, business managers and employees will be able to better understand and respond to the challenges of cross-border intellectual property protection, laying a solid foundation for the long-term success of the enterprise in Vietnam and the international market.

10. Module 9: Intellectual Property Issues Specific to the Manufacturing Industry

Intellectual property protection plays a vital role in Vietnam’s booming manufacturing industry. This module will delve into the unique intellectual property challenges facing the manufacturing industry and their solutions.

First, we will focus on the protection of production processes and technologies. In the manufacturing industry, innovative production methods are often the core competitiveness of enterprises. We will discuss how to protect these valuable assets through multiple means such as patent protection, trade secrets and employee confidentiality agreements. It is particularly noteworthy that Vietnam’s Intellectual Property Law has special provisions for the protection of production processes. We will interpret these legal provisions in detail and provide practical cases to illustrate how to effectively protect production technology in Vietnam.

Next, we will explore the intellectual property risks in OEM (original equipment manufacturing) production. In Vietnam, many companies are involved in OEM production, and the intellectual property issues in this model are particularly complex. We will analyze the risks of trademark infringement, patent infringement, and trade secret leakage that may arise in OEM production. At the same time, we will provide practical advice to help companies protect their own rights and interests when signing OEM contracts, and how to avoid inadvertently infringing on the intellectual property rights of others during the production process.

Intellectual property management in the supply chain is another key topic. In a global manufacturing network, intellectual property protection is not limited to the enterprise, but also needs to extend to the entire supply chain. We will discuss how to sign appropriate intellectual property clauses with suppliers and subcontractors, how to conduct supply chain intellectual property audits, and how to establish an effective intellectual property management system to ensure the intellectual property security of the entire supply chain.

Finally, we will use several typical case studies to illustrate IP disputes and their solutions in the manufacturing industry. These cases will cover Vietnamese local companies and foreign-invested companies operating in Vietnam, involving patent infringement, trademark infringement, trade secrets leakage, etc. By analyzing the ins and outs, dispute focus, and final solutions of these cases, students will be able to better understand how to deal with IP challenges in actual operations.

This module aims to provide comprehensive and practical intellectual property protection strategies for managers and employees of manufacturing enterprises. By learning these contents, enterprises will be able to better protect their intellectual property rights in Vietnam’s manufacturing environment, avoid potential risks, and maintain their advantages in the fierce market competition.

11. Module 10: Intellectual Property and Innovation

In today’s rapidly developing Vietnamese manufacturing industry, innovation has become the key to enterprises’ competitiveness. This module will explore the close relationship between intellectual property rights and innovation, and provide practical knowledge and strategies for SME managers and employees.

First, we will focus on how to use intellectual property to promote corporate innovation. Intellectual property is not only a tool to protect innovative achievements, but also a driving force for innovation. We will explore how to identify technological trends through patent analysis, how to use trademarks to build a brand innovation culture, and how to stimulate employees’ creativity through copyright protection. Case analysis will include how local Vietnamese companies have achieved innovative breakthroughs in traditional manufacturing through the strategic use of intellectual property.

Next, we will explore the balance between open innovation and intellectual property protection. As Vietnam is increasingly integrated into the global innovation network, companies need to learn to find a balance between open collaboration and protecting core technologies. We will introduce the industry-university-research cooperation policy promoted by the Vietnamese government and how to protect your intellectual property when participating in these projects. At the same time, we will also discuss how to contribute and benefit in the open source community through a wise intellectual property strategy.

Intellectual property licensing and technology transfer is another focus of this module. As Vietnam’s manufacturing industry continues to upgrade, the introduction of advanced technology has become increasingly important. We will explain in detail the key terms of technology licensing agreements, how to evaluate the value of technology, and the key points to pay attention to during negotiations. In particular, we will explore Vietnam’s unique technology transfer policy and how to use the preferential measures provided by the government to reduce the cost of technology introduction.

Finally, the module will end with a practical activity: Developing an IP-based innovation strategy. Participants will be divided into small groups, each simulating a Vietnamese manufacturing company, and develop an innovation strategy plan based on what they have learned. This plan should include how to use existing IP assets to promote innovation, how to protect core technologies in open innovation, and how to acquire new technologies through IP licensing. The groups will report back and receive feedback from other participants and the instructor.

Through this module, participants will have a deep understanding of the core role of intellectual property rights in promoting enterprise innovation, master the strategy of balancing openness and protection in Vietnam’s special market environment, and be able to formulate practical innovation strategies based on intellectual property rights. These knowledge and skills will help small and medium-sized enterprises stand out in Vietnam’s highly competitive manufacturing industry and achieve sustainable development.

12. Final Project

The final project of this course is designed to integrate the knowledge learned throughout the course into a real-world case. This project will simulate real-world challenges and give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to develop a comprehensive IP strategy for a fictitious SME manufacturing company.

First, we will provide students with detailed background information of a fictitious SME. This company may be a local Vietnamese company that specializes in the production of smart home devices and is preparing to expand its product line and enter the international market. The background information will include the company’s product description, core technology, market positioning, major competitors, existing IP assets, and IP challenges it faces.

Participants will be divided into groups of 4-5 people each. Each group will act as the company’s IP advisory team and be responsible for developing a comprehensive IP strategy. This strategy should cover the protection of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, while taking into account the company’s development plans and market strategies.

The team needs to complete the following tasks: 1) conduct an IP audit to identify the company’s key IP assets; 2) evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing IP protection measures; 3) develop new patent and trademark application plans; 4) design an internal IP management system; 5) propose strategies to deal with potential infringement risks; 6) develop IP commercialization plans, such as licensing or technology transfer; 7) estimate the budget and timeline required to implement these strategies.

During the course, we will arrange 1-2 online coaching sessions to give each group the opportunity to discuss their ideas and challenges with the course instructor. This will help participants better apply the course content to real cases.

At the end of the project, each team will prepare a detailed written report and a 15-minute oral presentation. The presentation will be conducted online, inviting other team members, course instructors, and possible industry experts to participate. There will be a 5-10 minute Q&A period after each presentation, allowing other participants to ask questions and make suggestions.

The scoring criteria will include the comprehensiveness and feasibility of the strategy, the relevance to the specific situation of the enterprise, innovative thinking, the degree of application of course knowledge, teamwork, and the clarity and persuasiveness of the report. Excellent projects may be selected as cases for future course teaching.

Through this comprehensive graduation project, students will have the opportunity to apply all aspects of knowledge learned in the course, cultivate practical problem-solving skills, and lay a solid foundation for dealing with intellectual property issues in actual work in the future.

13. Final Evaluation

The final assessment is an important part of measuring the students’ mastery of the course content, and also provides valuable feedback for course improvement. Our assessment is divided into three main parts, aiming to comprehensively test students’ theoretical knowledge and practical application ability. The first is the multiple-choice test. This part contains 50 multiple-choice questions, covering all the important concepts and knowledge points in the course.

The design of the questions focuses on practicality, closely combining theoretical knowledge with the actual situation of Vietnam’s manufacturing industry. For example, we will set some situational questions, requiring students to choose the most appropriate intellectual property protection strategy in a given business scenario. This not only tests students’ memory of knowledge, but also tests their understanding and application ability. The test is online, with a time limit of 90 minutes, and students need to achieve 80% accuracy to pass.

The second part is a practical case analysis. We will provide a detailed background information of a fictitious Vietnamese small and medium-sized manufacturing company, including its product line, technological innovation, market strategy and other information. Students need to develop a comprehensive intellectual property protection and management plan for this company based on what they have learned. This plan should include patent application strategies, trademark registration plans, trade secret protection measures, potential infringement risk analysis and other content. Students will have one week to complete this case analysis report, and the word count is required to be between 3,000 and 5,000 words. The scoring criteria include the comprehensiveness, feasibility, innovation of the plan, and the accurate understanding and application of local laws and regulations in Vietnam.

Finally, there is the course feedback and improvement suggestions session. We designed a detailed questionnaire and invited students to evaluate various aspects of the course, including the relevance and practicality of the content, the effectiveness of the teaching method, and the ease of use of the learning platform. At the same time, we also encourage students to put forward specific improvement suggestions, such as topics they would like to study in depth and practical activities that need to be supplemented. Such feedback is crucial for us to continuously optimize the course content and improve the quality of teaching.

Through the comprehensive evaluation of these three parts, we can not only fully understand the learning outcomes of the students, but also ensure that the course content is closely integrated with the actual needs of Vietnam’s manufacturing industry. We believe that this evaluation method that combines theory and practice will help students better apply what they have learned to actual work and lay a solid foundation for them to better protect and manage intellectual property rights in the Vietnamese market.