Property developer Vincon ordered to change name

February 09, 2011 | 09:26

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The Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment has asked property developer Vincon to change its business name as it violates intellectual property law.

Le Khac Hiep - illustration photo

Vincon Land and Finance Investment Joint Stock Company was found to be using a brand name that could be confused with the older established developer, Vincom Joint Stock Company.

Last November, Vincom JS filed a lawsuit against Vincon in Hanoi People's Court for imitating its brand name.

The National Office of Intellectual Property has ruled that Vincon sounded and looked too similar to Vincom, which had already been registered, and that the similarity could cause confusion among customers.

In December, the Ministry of Science and Technology in December decided to fire Vincon VND14 million ($700) for violating industrial property.

The ministry required Vincon to remove the name from company stationary, advertising, legal transactions and advertising and from its branches in central Danang City and Thua Thien-Hue province.

The department's decision rejects Vincon's argument that it was licenced by the municipal department.

Vincom chairman Le Khac Hiep said the department's decision was welcome and a clear answer to businesses sheltering under business licences from the department.

Vincom, which owns Vincom Towers, established its brand name in 2002 while Vincon Company has been in operation for just three years.

Vincom registered its trademark with the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam in 2005 and is protected in more than 20 countries under the Madrid system for the international registration of trademarks.