Two new inventions of Viettel Aerospace Institute were granted patents in the US, the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group announced on May 26. 

The exclusive protection has been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for Viettel’s two inventions in the fields of optoelectronics and materials science.

The first is a curved mirror optical system for medium wave thermal imaging devices that was created in 2017, addressing the issue of designing and manufacturing camera cores, thereby minimizing import.

The second patent was granted to a method to manufacture composite materials that can withstand high temperatures and harsh conditions for military use.

Viettel's engineers are doing research into technology solutions. Photo: Minh Tu

Viettel has so far been granted 56 patents in Vietnam and 11 others in the US.

According to the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam, Viettel is the technology firm holding the largest number of patent applications and protected patents annually in Vietnam for 2021.

It is also taking the lead in carrying out the country’s intellectual property strategy till 2030 with the goal of increasing the number of patent applications and patents by 16-18% annually on average.

The company’s number of civil and military patents is increasing over the years, affirming its pioneering position in technology as it is working to become a high-tech military-industrial group.

The US-protected patents would ensure the firm’s success in the international market.

According to Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IP Vietnam) Phan Ngan Son, the US protection of Vietnamese business patents is proof of Vietnam gray matter potential.

“Exclusive patents granted by the USPTO undergo the strictest scrutiny and evaluation in the world, which is why Viettel is proud to have its inventions patented in the US. This is even more significant in the highly-competitive fields of intellectual property and telecommunications technology,” Son told The Hanoi Times.

He added that patent registration is the right direction for Vietnamese enterprises seeking to join the global supply chain and assert their place in the largest science and technology market in the world.

However, enterprises need government support in addition to their own efforts in order to get intellectual property protection, Son said, emphasizing that IP Vietnam prioritizes the enhancement of  intellectual property awareness and innovation of research institutes and universities.

Patents protected by the US are recognition of inventions and scientific research affirming Viettel’s standing in the global marketplace alongside technology giants such as LG or Nokia, according to Son.