Vietnam IP Office Announces Deadline Relief for Applicants Affected by Kumamoto Earthquake

Following the earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on 28 July 2026, IP VIETNAM has announced special deadline relief for applicants affected by this force majeure event.

Under Articles 15.3 and 15.4 of Decree No. 65/2023/ND-CP, the period during which the earthquake prevented applicants from carrying out industrial property procedures will not be counted toward applicable statutory deadlines. The relief covers priority claims, document submissions, responses to IP VIETNAM notices, maintenance and renewal of protection titles, fee payments, and appeals.

Applicants seeking this relief must specify the affected period and provide certification from a competent authority confirming the impact of the earthquake.