Businesses with a distinctive logo and a memorable slogan usually want to protect both — and the first question is always: can one application cover both the logo and the slogan, or must you file separately? Getting this wrong can cost you protection over exactly the element that matters most. This article analyzes the current law and the optimal filing strategies.
Direct Answer: File Multiple Applications — At Least Two
A logo (figurative mark, or combined figurative-word mark) and a slogan (word mark) are two distinct signs = two independent trademark subject matters. And one application protects only one subject matter. So to protect both signs independently, you must file two applications for two protection titles.
Basis: Article 100 of the Intellectual Property Law (amended by clause 31, Article 1 of Law 131/2025/QH15, effective 1 April 2026; numbering per VBHN 67/VBHN-VPQH) — “General requirements for industrial property applications”:
- “Each industrial property application may request only one protection title for a single industrial property subject matter” (except cases in clauses 4, 5, 6 of this Article);
- “Each application may request a trademark registration certificate for one trademark used for one or more different goods or services.”
Numbering note: some older materials cite Article 101 for the “one application = one subject matter” rule — that is the old law; since 1 April 2026 the rule sits in Article 100.
Common confusion to clear up: “one application covering many goods/services classes” (allowed — Article 100.6, fees per class) is entirely different from “one application covering many signs” (not allowed).
Three Filing Strategies in Practice
The options below are practical recommendations, not legal requirements:
| Option | Applications | Pros / cons |
|---|---|---|
| A. Logo only (slogan inside the specimen) | 1 | Cheapest, but narrow: protects only the combined specimen as a whole. Hard to act against a competitor using the slogan alone; when logo and slogan are used separately, each part is not independently protected. |
| B. Logo + slogan separately | 2 | Independent protection for each element; flexible use and enforcement — the standard recommendation. |
| C. Logo + slogan + combined specimen | 3 | Maximum protection — recommended for key brands; highest cost. |
Do not rely on the combined specimen alone (Option A) if the logo and slogan will be used separately: proving the scope of protection for each part becomes difficult. Moreover, if one part is found lacking distinctiveness (e.g., a descriptive slogan), the entire application risks refusal.
Rescue tool: if you have already filed one application containing inconsistent matter, you may divide the application — each divisional carries the original filing/priority date.
Slogan-Specific Notes
1. Slogans are not independently protected by copyright
Clause 7, Article 1 of Law 131/2025 amending Article 15.4 of the IP Law provides that “ideas; slogans; work titles as such” fall outside copyright protection. In other words, the only route to exclusivity over a slogan is registering it as a word trademark.
2. Refusal risk for lack of distinctiveness
Under Article 74.2 of the IP Law, non-distinctive signs are refused. Descriptive slogans (“Tasty, nutritious, cheap”), generic promotional slogans (“Quality is gold”), or product-praising slogans are easily refused. The more invented and unique the slogan (coined or wordplay slogans), the better its chances. Do not assume “a slogan can always be registered” — each case undergoes distinctiveness examination; the examples above are illustrative only, subject to the examiner’s assessment.
3. Register slogans in standard character form
File the slogan in standard characters (no special fonts or graphic elements) for the broadest scope — protecting the wording regardless of presentation.
4. Foreign-language / transliterated slogans
Register in the exact form actually used on the market.
Trademark Application Procedure
Procedure follows Circular 10/2026/TT-BKHCN (effective 1 April 2026, replacing Circular 23/2023); since Law 131/2025, paper and electronic filings are unified.
- Where to file: the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam — in person, by post, or online;
- Dossier per Article 68 of Circular 10/2026: declaration Form No. 04, Appendix I; trademark specimens (paper filing: 5 specimens); power of attorney (if via representative); priority documents (if any);
- Process: formality examination (~1 month) → publication of the application (1 month, reduced from 2) → substantive examination (5 months, reduced from 9, counted from publication) — under Law 131/2025. An expedited 3-month examination mechanism exists where conditions are met (conditions in Decree 100/2026/ND-CP — do not assume eligibility without checking);
- Vietnamese organizations and individuals may file directly or via an IP representative; foreign individuals/organizations without permanent residence or business premises in Vietnam must file through a representative in Vietnam (Article 89 — amended by clause 23, Article 1 of Law 131/2025);
- Title validity: a trademark registration certificate is valid for 10 years from the filing date, renewable indefinitely in 10-year terms.
Before filing, search existing trademarks to assess registrability; see also our guide to trademark registration in Vietnam.
Registration Costs — By Number of Applications and Classes
Rates applicable until 31 December 2026 (Decision 2113/QD-BKHCN of 14 April 2026), for one application, one class (up to 6 goods/services):
| Fee item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | VND 75,000/application |
| Publication fee | VND 120,000 |
| Search fee for examination | VND 180,000/class (+30,000/product from the 7th) |
| International classification fee | VND 100,000/class (+20,000/product from the 7th) |
| Substantive examination fee | VND 550,000/class (+120,000/product from the 7th) |
| Title grant fee | VND 60,000 (first class) / 50,000 (second class onward) |
| Recordal fee | VND 120,000 |
| Grant decision publication fee | VND 120,000 |
Minimum total ≈ VND 1,325,000/application (1 class, 6 goods/services): 75,000 + 120,000 + 180,000 + 100,000 + 550,000 + 60,000 + 120,000 + 120,000 = 1,325,000. Excluding IP representative service fees if engaged.
- Two applications (logo + slogan, Option B): state fees ≈ VND 2.65 million;
- Three applications (Option C): state fees ≈ VND 4 million.
Two key dates:
- From 1 January 2027, fees revert to the base rates under Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC: application fee VND 150,000; title grant fee VND 120,000/100,000;
- VNeID reductions: Circulars 64/2025/TT-BTC (30 June 2025) and 29/2026/TT-BTC exempt/reduce certain fees for public services performed on the VNeID app until 31 December 2026 — including IP application and title grant fees.
Recalculate precisely per the fee schedule at filing time (less any applicable reduction), using the formula above for your own class and goods/services count.
Notes for Foreign Investors
- Foreign applicants without residence/business premises in Vietnam must file through an IP representative in Vietnam (Article 89);
- For core brands: file each element separately (Option B); add the combined specimen (Option C) if budget allows;
- Use the 6-month priority right under the Paris Convention if you have already filed in your home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine logo and slogan in one application for a single title covering both?
No. One application yields one title for a single industrial property subject matter (Article 100). Combining two signs in one application does not give you two independent rights — independent protection of both logo and slogan requires two applications.
How many classes can one application cover?
One application may register one trademark for one or more goods/services classes (Nice Classification); fees are charged per class.
Is a slogan guaranteed registrable?
No. Slogans must pass distinctiveness examination (Article 74.2) — descriptive or generic promotional slogans are easily refused. Invented, unique slogans stand better chances.
How much does filing for logo + slogan cost?
Minimum state fees ≈ VND 1,325,000/application (1 class, 6 goods/services) under rates applicable until 31 December 2026. Two applications ≈ VND 2.65 million; three ≈ VND 4 million — excluding representative service fees and before any VNeID reduction.
I already filed logo and slogan together in one application — what now?
You may divide the application — each divisional carries the original filing/priority date.
Sources
- IP Law (VBHN 67/VBHN-VPQH), amended by Law 131/2025/QH15 (effective 1 April 2026) — Article 15.4 (amended by clause 7, Article 1), Article 74.2, Article 89 (amended by clause 23, Article 1), Article 100 (amended by clause 31, Article 1);
- Circular 10/2026/TT-BKHCN (effective 1 April 2026) — Article 68;
- Decree 100/2026/ND-CP — expedited examination conditions;
- Decision 2113/QD-BKHCN (14 April 2026) — IP fee schedule applicable until 31 December 2026;
- Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC — base rates from 1 January 2027;
- Circulars 64/2025/TT-BTC, 29/2026/TT-BTC — fee exemptions/reductions on VNeID until 31 December 2026.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Fee rates stated apply until 31 December 2026 — please check the current fee schedule at filing time.
Content transparency: This article was drafted with AI assistance, based on the cited legal instruments, and has been editorially reviewed by the FLAT LAW FIRM content team before approval.
If you need advice on a trademark filing strategy for your logo and slogan, contact FLAT LAW FIRM.
For reference only, not legal advice. Content quality-checked by the AI Legal Council; not yet reviewed by a human lawyer.
