Vietnam Named Top IP Offender by US Trade Office
Vietnam Named Top IP Offender by US Trade Office
WASHINGTON, May 1, 2026 — The United States has placed Vietnam on its highest-level intellectual property (IP) watchlist, citing serious concerns over enforcement and protection, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) said.
In its annual report, USTR designated Vietnam as a “Priority Foreign Country,” a category reserved for nations with the most severe IP-related deficiencies affecting U.S. industries.
It marks the first time in 13 years that a country has been placed in the top-tier category, reflecting what U.S. officials described as insufficient progress in addressing longstanding concerns.
USTR said it will decide within 30 days whether to launch a formal investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Such a move could lead to consultations with Vietnam and potentially result in trade sanctions if violations are confirmed.
The report also noted improvements in other countries, with Argentina and Mexico removed from the “Priority Watch List” following progress in IP protection.
However, several economies, including China, India, Indonesia, Russia and Venezuela, remain on the watchlist.
The designation increases pressure on Vietnam to strengthen IP enforcement amid growing trade ties with the United States and its role in global supply chains.
