Korea-Vietnam Copyright Forum Addresses Content Protection in the AI Era

The Vietnamese government has launched a crackdown on intellectual property violations, targeting online piracy and counterfeit goods. This initiative stems from the belief that issues related to intellectual property infringement directly impact Vietnam's investment climate and national credibility. In conjunction with this effort, the Korea-Vietnam Copyright Forum was held to discuss protective measures suitable for the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) era.

According to various Vietnamese media outlets, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed a directive on May 5, announcing a nationwide crackdown on intellectual property violations from May 7 to May 30. Despite previous successes in enforcement, complexities remain in certain sectors and regions, threatening both the investment environment and the legitimate rights of individuals and businesses.

The special enforcement campaign will adhere to a 'zero tolerance' principle. Authorities aim to strictly punish violations under a policy of no safe zones or exceptions, with a target to increase the number of detected and processed cases by at least 20% compared to May of last year. Each ministry and local government will implement a rapid reporting system to immediately notify the Ministry of Science and Technology of serious or complex cases, with a comprehensive report due by May 31.

Online copyright infringement is a primary focus. The Ministry of Public Security will collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute serious cases related to copyright, trademark, and geographical indication violations, while also shutting down websites and organizations that illegally store and distribute foreign films, music, mobile games, and TV programs, including those in English. The Ministry of Defense will join the effort, coordinating with border guards and coast guards.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will check compliance with copyright laws regarding software used by businesses, as well as the adherence to copyright laws for films, music, TV programs, and video games online. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and local people's committees will focus on enforcing industrial property rights and cracking down on counterfeit goods, while the Ministry of Finance will halt customs clearance for goods clearly violating intellectual property rights.

Local governments will also bear greater responsibility. Each provincial and municipal people's committee chairperson is required to establish a joint task force under their direct supervision to oversee enforcement, while party secretaries are instructed to mobilize the entire political system to achieve tangible results.

Korea-Vietnam Copyright Forum Held

Amid these developments, the 'Korea-Vietnam Copyright Forum 2026' was held in Hanoi on May 7, organized by the Copyright Office under Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Copyright Protection Agency. The forum's theme was 'Copyright Protection in the Digital Age and AI-Driven Content Industry,' bringing together government officials, experts, and industry professionals from both countries.

During the forum, South Korean representatives introduced copyright monitoring and infringement prevention systems utilizing AI, and discussions were held on copyright protection in the gaming industry and potential cooperation between the two nations.

Tran Hoang, head of Vietnam's Copyright Office, stated, "In this new era, copyright is no longer just a legal tool but an essential infrastructure supporting the creative economy. In an environment where content is generated, replicated, and distributed almost in real-time, copyright and related rights must be effectively and transparently protected in line with technological changes."

Mai Tuan, vice president and secretary-general of the Vietnam Copyright Association, noted that the distribution of illegal content is becoming increasingly organized and large-scale. He emphasized the need to move beyond merely punishing violations to creating mechanisms for legal use. He referenced the collective management model recommended by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), highlighting the urgent need for a system that adequately protects the rights of copyright holders.

Professor Huynh Hoa Dai Nghia from the Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City urged that intellectual property issues should not be viewed solely from a legal or market management perspective but recognized as directly linked to national competitiveness. He reiterated that for Vietnam to transition to an innovation-driven economy, strict protection of intellectual property rights is essential.

The Vietnamese government plans to continue monitoring intellectual property enforcement across ministries and local governments, establishing a consistent and systematic framework for ongoing efforts.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Kim Hye In