Confusing trademarks with brands—or neglecting their distinction—can lead to substantial financial setbacks. To safeguard brand integrity, businesses must develop robust trademark registration strategies, especially in key export markets. This was a central theme discussed by copyright and branding experts at the training program “Unlocking Revenue Growth through Brand Building,” organized by the Saigon Times Group in collaboration with the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade on December 19. Early trademark registration Understanding the distinction between trademarks and brands, and registering trademarks early, is critical to protecting these valuable assets. Nguyen Ngo Thanh Danh, a copyright commercialization expert, emphasized that trademarks and brands often make businesses confused, leading to costly mistakes. Misunderstanding these terms can result in poor strategic decisions and inefficient use of financial resources. Nguyen Ngoc Tram, CEO of the U.S.-based IPGEEKLAB and senior advisor to the Intellectual Property Expert Committee at the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), explained that trademarks and brands are transferable assets that can be bought or sold. However, to facilitate such transactions, trademarks must be registered to secure exclusive ownership rights in a specific industry. In the U.S., trademark registration not only ensures ownership protection but also enhances a brand’s credibility and value […]