In more detail
In response to the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam, the VNIPO issued Notice No. 7113/TB-SHTT dated 19 July 2021, through which it ceased direct transactions at its Hanoi headquarters with immediate effect.
Following Directive No. 22/CT-UBND dated 20 September 2021 of the chair of the Hanoi People's Committee, which modified COVID-19 prevention and control measures, the VNIPO has decided to resume all filing activities for industrial property objects and returning examination results directly from its Hanoi headquarters from 21 September 2021.
Meanwhile, the VNIPO will continue providing advisory activities via phone calls and/or email exchanges.
The resumption of direct filing and receiving of documents at the VNIPO's headquarters will facilitate IP registration processes in Vietnam, which had been disrupted for more than two months due to the pandemic.
Separately, in accordance with Directive No. 22/CT-UBND, the VNIPO will implement a rotation arrangement, with no more than 50% of staff working in the office on a daily basis. This continues to challenge the VNIPO in terms of staff shortages and case backlogs.