Section 301 Vietnam IP Probe Extended

[ABS News Service/10.11.2026]

The US Trade Representative’s Office said yesterday it is extending for three months its ongoing Section 301 investigation into whether Vietnam is failing to protect intellectual property rights.

USTR in May initiated a Section 301 investigation into certain acts, policies, and practices of the government of Vietnam related to IP protection and enforcement.

Section 301 investigations generally are concluded within six months. But USTR said it has extended the investigation period to February 28, 2027.

USTR said it has found the investigation involves complex or complicated issues that require additional time to examine before making a determination on whether Vietnam is undertaking enforcement measures to provide adequate and effective protection of IP rights.

The Section 301 probe was launched after USTR identified Vietnam as a priority country in its annual review of trade partners’ efforts to protect intellectual property.

In announcing the Section 301 investigation, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that IP infringement in Vietnam continues to impair the competitive position of US innovators and creators in the country.