If you’re running a business in Vietnam or selling there as a foreigner, you’ve likely put effort into building a brand—your logo, name, or slogan. Registering that as a trademark was a smart move, but it’s not a one-and-done deal. In Vietnam, trademarks need renewing every 10 years, and figuring out the costs can feel like a puzzle, especially if you’re new to the system. Don’t worry—this guide lays out everything you need to know about renewing a trademark in Vietnam in 2025, with real examples and practical tips. We’ll also show how La Défense Law Firm can take the headache out of it, keeping your costs clear and your brand safe.
Why Renewing Your Trademark Matters
Vietnam’s trademark system is buzzing—over 50,000 trademarks were registered in 2023, per the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP)—and renewal keeps your spot secure. Skip it, and your mark could lapse, leaving it up for grabs by competitors or costing you a re-registration fight. For foreigners—whether you’re a tourist-turned-entrepreneur, an expat, or a global seller—renewal protects your brand in a market that’s growing fast. Knowing the costs upfront helps you budget and avoid surprises, especially with Vietnam’s mix of official fees and local quirks.
The Basics: How Renewal Works in Vietnam
Before we dive into costs, here’s the rundown: a trademark in Vietnam lasts 10 years from its filing date, renewable indefinitely for 10-year chunks. You’ve got a six-month window before it expires to renew, plus a six-month grace period after—though late fees pile up. The NOIP handles it, and while you can DIY, most foreigners use a local agent since filings are in Vietnamese and rules are strict. Costs split into two buckets: official fees (what the government charges) and service fees (what agents like lawyers add). Let’s break it down.
Official Fees: What the Government Charges when Renew a Trademark
Vietnam’s official fees are set by Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC, with tweaks like Circular 63/2023/TT-BTC cutting some rates by 50% for online filings through 2025. Here’s what you’ll pay the NOIP in 2025, assuming that reduction holds (exchange rates approximate, based on 1 USD = 25,000 VND in March 2025):
– Renewal Fee: 100,000 VND (~$4 USD) per class of goods/services. Each trademark covers specific “classes” (e.g., clothing, food)—one class, one fee.
– Examination Fee: 160,000 VND (~$6.40 USD) per trademark to process your request.
– Publication Fee: 120,000 VND (~$4.80 USD) to announce the renewal in the Industrial Property Gazette.
– Registration Fee: 120,000 VND (~$4.80 USD) to record it officially.
– Use Fee: 700,000 VND (~$28 USD) per class, covering the next 10 years of protection.
For a single-class trademark filed on time, that’s 1,200,000 VND ($48 USD) total. Add another class—like if you sell clothes and shoes—and it jumps to 2,000,000 VND ($80 USD). These are base rates before taxes (10% VAT applies) or late penalties.
Late Renewal? Extra Costs Kick In
Miss the six-month pre-expiry window? You’ve got six months post-expiry to renew, but it’ll cost more. The law adds a 10% surcharge per late month on the renewal fee. For one class:
– 1 month late: 100,000 VND + 10,000 VND = 110,000 VND (~$4.40 USD).
– 6 months late: 100,000 VND + 60,000 VND = 160,000 VND (~$6.40 USD).
Total with all fees? Around 1,260,000 VND ($50.40 USD) for one month late, up to 1,410,000 VND ($56.40 USD) for six. In 2024, a French expat’s fashion brand missed their deadline by three months, bumping their single-class renewal from $48 to $52.80 USD—small, but it adds up with multiple classes.
Service Fees: What Agents Charge when Renew a Trademark
Foreigners can’t easily file directly—Vietnam requires a local representative, and the process is in Vietnamese. That’s where agents or law firms come in, charging for expertise and handling. Service fees vary widely based on experience, location, and extras like translations or reminders. In 2025:
– Basic Service: $100-$150 USD per trademark for one class. Covers filing, document prep, and NOIP liaison.
– Mid-Tier: $150-$250 USD. Adds monitoring, deadline alerts, or multi-class coordination.
– Premium: $250-$400 USD. Full-service—translations, legal advice, dispute checks.
A UK startup in 2023 paid $120 USD to renew a single-class mark through a Hanoi agent—barebones but effective. Contrast that with a US retailer who shelled out $300 USD in 2024 for a premium firm to handle three classes, including a lost certificate reissue. La Défense typically lands in the mid-to-premium range, offering tailored help that foreigners rave about.
Total Cost: Putting It Together when Renew a Trademark
For a single-class trademark renewed on time in 2025:
– Official Fees: ~$48 USD.
– Basic Agent: $100 USD.
– Total: ~$148 USD.
Add a class: ~$228 USD. Late by six months? ~$156.40 USD for one class. Multi-class, premium service, and delays? You could hit $500 USD or more. A German exporter in 2024 renewed two classes late by two months through a mid-tier agent—total: $350 USD. Costs scale with complexity, but they’re predictable with planning.
Hidden Costs to Watch For when Renew a Trademark
Beyond the obvious, extras can creep in:
– VAT: 10% on official fees (~$4.80 USD more for one class).
– Translations: $20-$50 USD if your docs aren’t in Vietnamese.
– Lost Certificate: $50-$100 USD to reissue if you can’t submit the original.
– Disputes: If someone challenges your renewal (rare), legal fees could climb to $500+ USD.
In 2023, a Canadian café owner lost their certificate and paid $80 USD extra to sort it—avoidable with better record-keeping. La Défense’s proactive tracking cuts these risks, saving you cash and stress.
How It Compares: Vietnam vs. Elsewhere
Vietnam’s renewal fees are a steal compared to some markets. The US USPTO charges $650 USD per class in 2025 (post-January hike), while the EU’s EUIPO hits €850 (~$900 USD) for one class. Vietnam’s ~$148 USD total (with agent) is budget-friendly, making it a draw for foreigners testing Southeast Asia. But low costs mean stricter rules—miss a step, and you’re scrambling.
DIY vs. Hiring Help: Cost Trade-Offs when Renew a Trademark
Can you renew yourself? Technically, yes—but foreigners rarely do. You’d save $100-$400 USD on agent fees, but you’d need fluent Vietnamese, NOIP know-how, and time to chase paperwork. A 2024 attempt by a solo Australian vendor flopped—missed forms cost them $200 USD in fixes via an agent later. Hiring pros like La Défense upfront often beats DIY headaches, especially for busy expats or global firms.
Why La Défense Law Firm Makes Sense
Renewal costs are straightforward, but the process isn’t. La Défense Law Firm blends global savvy with Vietnam expertise, keeping your fees clear and your trademark secure. We’ve guided clients—like a 2024 Swedish retailer renewing three classes for $400 USD total—through on-time filings, dodging late penalties. Our strength? Proactive reminders, flawless Vietnamese filings, and catching hidden costs early. A client said, “La Défense saved me time and money—I didn’t even know I was late.” We don’t just process; we protect.
Budget Smart, Renew Easy
So, how much to renew a trademark in Vietnam in 2025? For one class, on time, with an agent, expect ~$148 USD. Add classes, delays, or extras, and it climbs—$200-$500 USD isn’t rare. Vietnam’s system is affordable but unforgiving—miss deadlines or forms, and costs spike. For foreigners in 2025’s booming market, renewal’s a small price for brand safety.
Don’t guess the numbers. With La Défense, you get a team that nails the details, keeps costs low, and frees you to focus on your business. Ready to renew? It’s cheaper—and easier—than you think with the right help.
Read more:
- Can I Register a Trademark Without a Company in the USA?
- Can a Foreigner Register a Trademark in the US?
- How Long Does It Take to Register a Trademark in the USA?