To be patentable worldwide novelty having regard to both publications and public use is required. Additionally the invention must not be identical with what is described in a copending Vietnamese application having an earlier priority date. However, unauthorized publications will not be regarded as novelty-destroying if a Vietnamese application is filed within 6 months of that publication. For patents granted on applications filed under the new decree of October 1996, the term of a patent is 20 years from its filing date. Under the former law the term of a patent was 15 years from the priority date.
All patent applications are subject to a formalities examination.
If no request is filed within 3 years of the filing date the application will lapse.