Vietnam Court System Reform in 2025: Laying the Foundation for International Disputes?

 On July 1, 2025, Vietnam took a decisive step toward reshaping not just its domestic judiciary, but potentially its role in global dispute resolution. The Vietnam court system reform introduced legal mechanisms that allow for the formation of international style specialized courts.

While less visible than the structural overhaul of district and high courts, this new power may be the most transformative part of the reform for foreign legal professionals.

This snapshot explores what changed, why it matters, and how Vietnam may be laying the groundwork for a future international commercial court.

Snapshot of Key Changes in Vietnam Court System Reform in 2025

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7 Powerful Truths about Breach of Contract in Vietnam That Every Business Must Understand

Introduction

Things fall apart fast in business.

A missed delivery.

A late payment.

A project frozen halfway.

In today’s fast-changing legal and economic climate, more companies in Vietnam are finding themselves caught in the crossfire of broken promises. What once felt like a minor dispute now turns into a serious legal risk. As regulatory frameworks evolve and compliance becomes non-negotiable, the concept of breach of contract in Vietnam is no longer a matter for just lawyers, it is a frontline issue for every manager, investor, and entrepreneur.

Too often, people sign contracts and assume everything will go smoothly. But the moment obligations are not fulfilled, the legal consequences can become overwhelming.

In here, we will briefly guide you on how breach of contract in Vietnam occurs, what Vietnamese law says, and what you must do to avoid damage to your business.

7 Powerful Truths about Breach of Contract in Vietnam

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7 Costly Mistakes in Contract Dispute in Vietnam That Even Experienced Businesses Make

Many businesses believe that careful contract drafting prevents all problems. But as we explored matters on breach of contract in Vietnam, breaches can still happen even with robust agreements. The real danger lies in how you handle the dispute once it begins. In this article, we explain mistakes in contract dispute in Vietnam even experienced businesses make.

7 Costly Mistakes in Contract Dispute in Vietnam

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5 Conditions to Establish Branch Office in Vietnam as Foreign Traders

Establish Branch Office in Vietnam under Commercial Law

The Commercial Law regulates conditions to establish branch office in Vietnam.

The Decree also stipulates the conditions for foreign traders to be granted licenses to establish branch office in Vietnam.

Conditions to Establish Branch Office in Vietnam

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How Does the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism Work? 6 Matters Vietnam Exporters and Investors Should Know

 Trade disputes between countries used to feel like politics but that lead to many issues to be felt by companies, by consumers i.e. price changes, duty changes, blocked shipments, and sudden compliance costs.

How Does the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism Work?

When that happens, the WTO dispute settlement mechanism is one of the few global systems designed to turn trade conflict back into rules and process, not just escalation. 

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Vietnam Investment Law 2025: A Smoother Entry, Clearer Compliance

 For foreign investors who have been following Vietnam’s development and considering Vietnam as one of the choices for their investment decision, they usually ask one practical question before entering, especially from the year 2026, that if the Vietnam investment Law 2025 makes this easier, or more complicated for investing and doing business here. 

The Vietnamese lawyers’ answer is as ironic and interestingly the same: both.

Let us explain why.

The Vietnam investment Law 2025, effective in 2026, aims to make the entry path more workable, but it also makes the compliance more strict and less forgiving.

For our positive thinking mindset, that is good news if your scope of business is clear, and your setup is realistic.

It will be challenging if you start with vague activities, minimal capital, and a fix later mindset plan.

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Dispute Settlement in International Trade Made Simple: 4 Key Mechanisms

Introduction: Why Dispute Settlement Matters in International Trade

When goods cross borders, risks follow. A late shipment, an unpaid invoice, or a disagreement over product quality can quickly turn into a costly conflict. This is why dispute settlement in international trade is a central part of doing business globally.

International trade involves multiple countries, different legal systems, and diverse business cultures. When disputes arise, they can disrupt supply chains, damage reputations, and result in financial losses. Knowing how disputes are resolved is essential not only for lawyers, but also for CEOs, business owners, and future lawyers preparing for careers in global trade.

There are four main mechanisms for dispute settlement in international trade: Negotiation, Mediation, Arbitration, and Litigation. Each has its advantages and challenges. Understanding them helps businesses choose wisely and students grasp the foundations of international commerce.

Dispute Settlement in International Trade Made Simple: 4 Key Mechanisms

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8 Essential Lessons Arbitration Counsel Helps Companies to Build Effective Dispute Strategies

 Why Arbitration Matters More Than Ever

When business relationships collapse, companies often discover too late that their contract’s dispute resolution clause is important. Arbitration, trusted for neutrality, speed, and cross border enforceability has become a core part of global commerce.

As a practising arbitration counsel advising clients before domestic and international tribunals, we have seen how a clause can protect and one can lead to procedural delay.

In here, we draw on eight lessons every company and every team of arbitration counsel should know before a dispute begins.

8 Essential Lessons Arbitration Counsel Helps Companies to Build Effective Dispute Strategies

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Contract Disputes in Vietnam: 8 Contract Matters Foreign General Counsels Must Get Right

 Introduction: Contract Disputes in the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in Vietnam

When you discuss about contract disputes in Vietnam, most of the time, you might think about what happens when a deal goes wrong. You could go on and discuss breaches, delays, non payment, termination, or damages.

We now take a different starting point.

We talk about what happens after a dispute has already been decided, often by arbitration, and one party believes it has won and now proceed to recognition and enforcement stages in Vietnam.

Contract Disputes in Vietnam: 8 Contract Matters Foreign General Counsels Must Get Right

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5 Key Insights into the Vietnam Intellectual Property Law Amendments: What Businesses Must Prepare For

 Introduction

Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments have long been expected.

Why?

For sometime, we have seen clients’ feedback on the delay of the procedures i.e. registration of IP rights, refusal to possible IP violations. Many times, we come across clients feeling hopeless seeking solutions to enforcement of violations of IP rights.

Now, it seems Vietnam is moving into a critical reform period, and one of the most consequential developments is the upcoming Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments. This revision cycle is broader than the amendments of 2009, 2019, and 2022. It reflects Vietnam’s economic transformation and the State’s intention to strengthen innovation capacity, align with international commitments, and respond to rapid changes in the digital economy.

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