The Duc Dang

Dang The Duc is the founder and managing partner of Indochine Counsel. With over 25 years of experience in business law practice in Vietnam, Duc specializes in advising foreign clients on international and cross-border transactions, including inward investment, corporate and commercial transactions, private equity, M&A, securities and capital market transactions, corporate restructurings, and project financing. He has been involved in major transactions for leading financial institutions, investment funds, and multinational companies. Additionally, he has substantial experience in advisory and transactional work related to IPR, IT, and technology matters.

Duc has been recognized as a leading lawyer in Vietnam by various international publications such as IFLR1000, Asian Legal Business (ALB), ALB Super 50 TMT Lawyers, Chambers Global, Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Leaders in Law Global Awards, Asialaw Profiles, The In-House Community, The International Who’s Who Legal, The Expert Guide - The World’s Leading Lawyers, The A-List Vietnam’s Top 100 Lawyers (Asia Business Law Journal), Media Law International, and MIP IP Stars.

He is an active speaker for conferences and seminars both in Vietnam and abroad for such legal business topics as M&A, private equity, corporate transactions, securities and capital markets.

Year joined the firm: 2006

• Client & Capacity: Our firm, led by Dang The Duc, advised Pho Hung as the plaintiff in a trademark infringement dispute against Nha Hang Mon Hue Co., Ltd. Matter Overview: The case concerned unauthorized use of the client’s trademark in connection with restaurant services, which caused market confusion and potential reputational harm. The plaintiff sought a court order requiring the defendant to cease the infringing acts and to compensate for attorney’s fees and other reasonable expenses incurred in preventing and remedying the infringement. Our Role: Acting as litigation counsel, the team led by Dang The Duc advised the client on overall litigation strategy, evidence collection, preparation of legal submissions, and representation throughout the court proceedings. Outcome: The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff, ordering the defendant to cease the infringing activities and awarding compensation for attorney’s fees and related reasonable costs. Complexity / Nuances: The matter presented procedural challenges as the defendant repeatedly failed to attend working sessions, mediation meetings, and the first-instance trial, resulting in delays. The proceedings were further complicated by the retirement and replacement of the presiding judge and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to multiple adjournments and an extended litigation timeline. Matter Value: USD 13,500 Jurisdiction: Vietnam.
• Client & Capacity: Led by Dang The Duc, our firm advised Mr. Le Minh Hai in securing patent protection in Vietnam for an invention titled “Worm Farming System.” Matter Overview: The engagement involved assisting the client in protecting an innovative sustainable farming technology designed to enhance environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Our Role: Acting as IP counsel, the team led by Dang The Duc handled the drafting and filing of the patent application, coordinated with the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam during both formal and substantive examination stages, and managed communications with the authorities to ensure smooth processing of the application. Outcome: The application was successfully accepted as valid by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam, and a notice of patent grant was subsequently issued to the client. Impact / Nuances: The granted patent provides the client with exclusive rights over the technology in Vietnam, supporting commercialization opportunities and strengthening the client’s intellectual property portfolio in the field of sustainable agricultural technology.
• Client & Capacity: Our firm, led by Dang The Duc, is advising To Ba Co., Ltd on the registration of an industrial design in Vietnam for the packaging of its fertilizer products. Matter Overview: The matter concerns securing industrial design protection for the distinctive packaging used in the client’s fertilizer product line, which plays an important role in differentiating the products and strengthening brand recognition in the Vietnamese market. Our Role: Acting as IP counsel, the team led by Dang The Duc reviewed and verified the design materials, advised on the appropriate scope of protection, and prepared and filed the industrial design application with the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam. The team also monitors the examination process and maintains communication with the authorities to ensure compliance with local requirements and timely registration. Outcome / Status: The industrial design application has been duly filed and is currently under examination by the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam. Impact / Nuances: The protection of the product packaging design is expected to strengthen the client’s brand identity and safeguard the visual presentation of its fertilizer products in the Vietnamese market, supporting the client’s broader commercial strategy.

• LLB, Hanoi National University, 1994
• BA, Hanoi Foreign Languages University, 1996
• IPDP, Int’l M&A and Capital Markets & Loans, The College of Law of England & Wales, 2007

• Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association
• International Bar Association
• Inter-Pacific Bar Association
• LawAsia
• International Trademark Association
• Asian Patent Attorneys Association