The external appearance of a product can be one of its most valuable commercial assets. From bottles, packaging, furniture, machinery and consumer products to eligible non-physical products, a distinctive design can help businesses differentiate themselves and strengthen their market position.

    Machinery and equipment are often protected primarily through patents or utility solutions because their core commercial value commonly lies in technical structures, operating principles, and functional improvements. However, in many cases, the external appearance of a machine or device also has independent commercial value.     A coffee machine, lighting device, air purifier, medical device, industrial machine, or electronic product may perform functions similar to competing products while still creating a competitive advantage through its distinctive shape, proportions, surface configuration, lines, and arrangement of visible components.    In such cases, businesses should consider industrial design registration in addition to protection for technical solutions. This article by A.D.V.N Law Company Limited explains the key issues involved in registering industrial designs for machinery and equipment in Vietnam under the regulations applicable in 2026.

   Tables are among the most common furniture products to be continuously developed in terms of shape, proportions, external structure and arrangement of visible components. A distinctive table design may create significant commercial value and help differentiate a product from competing furniture in the marketplace.   To reduce the risk of unauthorized copying, businesses and designers should consider industrial design registration for tables before launching the product commercially.