In recent years, Dak Lak has recorded notable progress in establishing intellectual property (IP) rights for local products, reinforcing market position while boosting competitiveness.

For enterprises, cooperatives alongside household producers, IP registration serves not only as a solid legal safeguard but also as a powerful catalyst for innovation, brand development and value enhancement.

Mr. Hoang Danh Huu (left) presenting MISS EDE coffee and chocolate products to consumers in the Republic of Korea.

Mr. Hoang Danh Huu, founder and Chairman of MISS EDE, said: “It took us five years to develop products, explore markets, refine supply chains as well as position our brand. Brand building is a demanding journey, especially for small businesses lacking capital, manpower or experience”.

Through sustained efforts, MISS EDE now owns eight trademarks, six of which have been officially protected. Despite modest scale, the company has been valued at several million USD, largely driven by protected brand assets. It has also begun making steady inroads into international markets.

Operating in mechanical engineering, Dang Phong Manufacturing - Trading - Services - Import-Export Co., Ltd has likewise recognised the critical importance of IP protection. Mr Nguyen Dang Phong, company director, recalled: “Shortly after our submersible pumps gained traction, counterfeit products emerged, some nearly identical. At a trade fair, I encountered a Ho Chi Minh City-based firm showcasing a product replicating our design. I followed legal procedures, collecting evidence, negotiating with the infringing party, then submitting documentation to Intellectual Property Office. As an outcome, the violating company had to alter its design”.

Amid rapid digital transformation and increasingly stringent market requirements regarding quality, traceability alongside brand protection, integrating brand development with IP has become an inevitable trend. IP protection not only safeguards intangible assets but also elevates product value, supports exports while strengthening competitiveness across enterprises, cooperatives as well as producers.

Simexco Dak Lak (Dak Lak September 2 Import-Export One Member Co., Ltd) introducing coffee products to international partners.

According to Mr. Tran Van Son, Deputy Director of Dak Lak Department of Science and Technology, numerous inventions, utility solutions, collective marks, certification marks together with geographical indications have been granted protection, contributing to higher value for local specialty products alongside stronger market competitiveness. In coming years, the department will continue coordinating with relevant agencies, localities, research institutes, universities and business community to implement synchronised solutions promoting scientific research, technological advancement, innovation, coupled with effective protection and commercialisation of intellectual assets. These efforts aim to enhance productivity, improve quality, raise product value as well as strengthen overall competitiveness in the new development phase.

By the end of 2025, the province had been granted 33 exclusive patents and utility solutions, including eight inventions together with 25 utility solutions, alongside 59 protected community trademarks, comprising three geographical indications, 15 certification marks as well as 41 collective marks.

Translated by HAI LOAN