2 men in northern Vietnam charged with alleged industrial property rights infringement

According to an announcement released by the investigative police agency under the provincial Department of Public Security on Friday, the duo was identified as Tran Cong Tung, 30, and La Van Uoc, 34, both residents of Ninh Binh Province.

The charges followed a coordinated inspection carried out on May 13 by the provincial economic police division and the provincial market surveillance sub-department.

Officers searched retail stores and warehouses operated by the two men, uncovering thousands of counterfeit products bearing protected trademarks.

At a warehouse linked to Tung in Nam Dinh Ward, investigators seized more than 5,000 pairs of sports shoes and sandals worth VND3.7 billion (US$140,830).

Meanwhile, inspections at Uoc’s warehouse in Yen Mo Commune uncovered more than 2,600 pairs of shoes valued at over VND500 million ($19,050).

According to investigators, all of the confiscated goods were counterfeit products imitating internationally recognized brands that are legally protected in Vietnam.

Both admitted that they had not been authorized by trademark owners to manufacture, distribute, or trade products using the protected labels.

They allegedly purchased counterfeit footwear for resale, misleading consumers into believing the products were genuine.

Investigators are continuing to expand the case and complete legal procedures in accordance with Vietnamese law.

The Ninh Binh Province Department of Public Security stated that the crackdown reflects the government’s determination to combat intellectual property violations and protect the lawful rights of businesses and consumers.

In early May, the prime minister issued Official Dispatch No. 38, calling for stronger nationwide measures to prevent and strictly handle intellectual property infringements.

Following the directive, the Ministry of Public Security instructed local police forces across the country to intensify enforcement efforts against counterfeit goods and trademark violations.