Trademark protection is expected to contribute to boosting the value of products but the application of protected geographical indications for processed products from Vietnam remains limited.

There are currently 128 geographical indications protected in Vietnam, including 13 foreign geographical indications and 115 domestic indications, according to the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam.

Protected geographical indications focus mainly on agricultural products, including fruit, accounting for 35 per cent, seafood, with 14 per cent, and rice, with 9 per cent.

The use of geographical indications has helped raise product value and competitiveness and expand markets. However, difficulties remain in geographical indication management, according to the office. The number of geographical indications in both domestic and export markets remains limited.

To date, only 40 of 94 products with protected geographical indications are exported, of which 26 are noted as such on packaging and labels when exported while the remaining 14 are exported under other brands.