A store shows OCOP products in Hà Nội's Thanh Trì District. — Photo hanoimoi.com.vn

The intellectual property (IP) development programme in Hà Nội has created a new direction to help communities and businesses create, manage and protect their IP assets. Deputy director of the Hà Nội Department of Science and Technology, Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, talks to Hà Nội Mới (New Hà Nội) newspaper about this programme

Could you tell us about the results from the Intellectual Property Development Programme for 2016-2020?

With the goal of creating a mechanism to directly support localities, businesses, organisations and individuals in creating and developing IP assets, the programme has opened up a new direction for the units, promoting production, business and sustainable development in Hà Nội.

There were thousands of applications for patent protection, utility solutions, industrial designs and trademarks.

The programme has supported the creation, management and development of certification marks or collective marks for 64 agricultural products, craft village products and intellectual property for four protected collective marks and many small and medium-sized enterprises in the city. The programme also organised training on IP for more than 2,500 people, raising their awareness and capacity to develop IP assets for organisations and individuals.

What is the plan for the programme up to 2030?

The goal of the programme is to have 100 per cent of universities, colleges and at least 50 per cent of enterprises aware of and trained on IP. The number of patent applications will increase by an average of 16-18 per cent annually.

Regarding key products and products in the 'One Commune, One Product' (OCOP) programme, Hà Nội aims to reach a minimum of 40 per cent of products supported to register for protection, management and development of IP as well as control the origin and quality after being protected by 2025 and at least 60 per cent by 2030. 

What solutions has the Hà Nội Department of Science and Technology proposed to effectively implement this programme?

The department will strengthen activities to create IP assets, improve the quality of resources through building databases, tools and providing IP information to science and technology organisations, businesses to create protected IP assets, and organise training courses to raise awareness on IP for organisations, individuals and businesses.

The protection of IP for OCOP products and specific local products will also be strengthened. The programme will also promote the registration of intellectual property protection at home and abroad.

The focus will be placed on improving the efficiency of management, exploitation and development of certification marks, collective marks, geographical indications and products under the OCOP programme associated with cultivation area codes, food safety, quality certification and authentication, product traceability, thereby promoting and implementing other trade promotion activities to exploit and develop the value of IP assets. 

The management of the State, departments, sectors and localities, as well as co-ordination in inspection, detection, prevention and handling of violations of IP rights, will also be strengthened.

Spreading the word about the culture of IP will also be a focus. — VNS