On 21 April 2009, in Ha Noi, the National Office of Intellectual Property of Viet Nam and the American Chamber of Commerce jointly organized the seminar on “Intellectual Property for journalists”. H.E. Mr. Nguyen Quan, Vice Minister of Science and Technology attended the seminar and delivered the opening speech. The seminar was also attended by Mr. Murray Hibert, Senior Director for Asia, AMCHAM, Mrs. Pham Chi Lan, former General Secretary of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Tran Viet Hung, Director General of the NOIP, managers of some enterprises and over 50 journalists from the press and television stations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the seminar, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Quan, Vice Minister of Science and Technology emphasized the meaning of the organization of the seminar right on the occasion of World IP Day 26 April 2009 which had been echoed by Viet Nam and other countries in the world. This is an opportunity to honor creative activities and achievements of creators which contribute to the global socio-economic development, improving the awareness about the roles of inventions, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, etc. in the daily life, then strengthening the understanding about the roles of IPRs protection in promoting creation, encouraging IPRs respect. In addition to efforts in improving the national IP legislation system, the State and Government of Viet Nam always acknowledge the important role of each citizen and the whole society in enforcement of IP legislation. Therefore, the wide dissemination of IP legislation is needed. In order to do this well, the roles of the press and mass media are very important to improve the public awareness and the society on IPRs, cementing to the socio-economic development of the country.

Mr. Tran Viet Hung, Director General of the NOIP, continued the floor by a keynote speech about the benefits of IPRs protection and overview of the IP system of Viet Nam.

The seminar covered the following topics:

• The importance of IP protection in economic development and international integration;
•  The situation of IPRs protection in Viet Nam and fostering economic development by IPRs protection;
• Enterprises and stories about IP assets.

    Journalists attending the seminar made straight discussions with IP managers, directors and right owners about practices and existing problems of IP protection in Viet Nam, through which they were encouraged to more actively participate in the consolidation of the IP protection system of Viet Nam, improving public awareness, contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.