Vietnam Triggers Major Piracy Crackdown Due to Tariff Threat

Photo Credit: Hoang Anh

Vietnam is cracking down on online piracy and counterfeit goods, as well as copyright violations by media that includes movies, music, and TV shows.

Starting today (May 7), Vietnam is launching a new “high-intensity” crackdown on online piracy and counterfeit goods in a move to boost detection by one-fifth, according to the Southeast Asian nation’s government. The move comes in response to Trump’s renewed tariff threat, which targets a “persistent failure” to tackle intellectual property violations by Vietnam.

In response, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung told ministries to boost detection of copyright infringement by at least 20% this month. The nationwide campaign will focus on dismantling high-traffic websites distributing pirated music, films, TV shows, and video games.

In order to drive stronger results, the Prime Minister ordered ministries, sectors, and localities to mobilize simultaneously and concentrate resources between May 7 and 30, handling violations “strictly, with no exceptions.”

Specifically, the Ministry of Public Security has been assigned to lead and coordinate with other ministries in verifying, investigating, and prosecuting serious infringements of copyright and related rights, trademarks, and indications. The Ministry of National Defense will direct the Border Guard and Coast Guard to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security to control and intercept violations at sea and at land borders.

The Supreme People’s Procuracy and Supreme People’s Court were directed to increase oversight, prosecution, and adjudication of intellectual property cases to ensure strict and lawful handling. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism will inspect compliance with software copyright at businesses, copyrights for films, music, television, and video games online. It will handle or refer serious violations for further action.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and provincial and city People’s Committees were instructed to direct market surveillance forces to increase inspections and handle counterfeit goods and property violations. The Ministry of Finance will direct customs authorities to increase inspections of imports and exports while proactively suspending customs clearance when there is reason to suspect goods that infringe intellectual property rights.

Overall, enforcement agencies were required to increase the number of cases detected, handled, and shipments held in suspended clearance by at least 20% compared to May of last year.

Ministries, sectors, and localities are required to file daily flash reports on the detection and handling of serious cases. The Ministry of Science and Technology will compile weekly reports for government leaders or as requested. A full campaign report that covers the period through May 30 must be submitted on May 31. After May 30, the departments will continue reviewing, evaluating, and maintaining these measures on a regular and targeted basis.