Elaine Wu, attorney advisor of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) stressed the importance of protecting intellectual property rights for SMEs. By developing intellectual property, the prestige and position of an enterprise will always be improved and enhanced to help sharpen its competitiveness and earn more market share and profits. But, in fact, most enterprises have not yet fully realised the importance of intellectual property in this field.

Meanwhile, Tran Vu Hoai, head of the Public Relations Department of Unilever Vietnam, shared the company’s experience in combating counterfeit goods and knock-off copies. The firm has built a strategy for protecting intellectual property.

Mr Hoai also pointed out weaknesses in implementing the law on intellectual property rights.

Participants also discussed difficulties in accessing the latest technology, credit loans and opportunities for technological exchanges with partners.