Strengthening the management of regional specialty brands

Following the reorganization of administrative units and the implementation of the two-tier local government model, Tuyen Quang Province is accelerating efforts to strengthen the management of intellectual property assets to ensure effective quality control and maximize the value of its regional specialty brands.

Tea products of the Phin Ho Tea Processing Cooperative are developed under a protected brand with trademark registration and product traceability, enhancing consumer confidence.

The province currently owns 13 geographical indications, along with numerous collective and certification trademarks covering a wide range of agricultural specialties. While the administrative restructuring has not affected the legal validity of intellectual property protection certificates, the abolition of the district-level administration has left several geographical indications and shared trademarks without designated management authorities responsible for quality control and licensing.

To address this issue, the provincial Department of Science and Technology is implementing a project to review and transfer intellectual property rights while updating management regulations to align with the new administrative structure. The project will examine all 13 geographical indications, identify new management entities, revise usage regulations and assign competent authorities to ensure uninterrupted management, quality supervision and effective utilization of these intellectual assets.

At the same time, Tuyen Quang is promoting digital transformation in intellectual property management. Under new product traceability regulations, goods must be identified through barcodes or QR codes, with traceability data stored electronically and connected to national information systems.

Practical experience has shown that investing in brand development, product traceability and quality management has significantly enhanced the competitiveness of local specialties. Many OCOP (One Commune One Product) items have successfully expanded into domestic and international markets. The province currently has 357 OCOP products rated three stars or higher, including three products recognized with the national five-star OCOP rating.

Looking ahead to the 2026–2030 period, the province will continue developing a digital database for geographical indications, collective trademarks and certification trademarks while integrating intellectual property management with product traceability, raw material area management and value-chain quality control. These measures are expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Tuyen Quang's specialty products, expand export opportunities and promote sustainable rural economic development.

Hai Huong