Background
Hard drives — given their high unit value and broad consumer demand — are a frequent target for counterfeiters, particularly in Southeast Asian markets. Seagate Technology LLC, one of the world’s leading data storage companies, maintains an active brand protection program across the Asia-Pacific region through Eligon IP.
The Seizure
On May 22, 2026, Bac Ninh Customs flagged a suspicious import shipment containing 264 hard drives bearing the Seagate trademark, with a declared value of over 3.5 billion VND (approximately USD $140,000). Officials cross-referenced the shipment against Vietnam’s IP monitoring registry, identified potential trademark infringement, and immediately suspended clearance.
Eligon’s Response
Upon notification, Eligon’s team moved quickly. A formal petition was submitted confirming the seized products were not manufactured by Seagate Technology LLC or any authorized entity. The case was escalated to the Customs Department and the inter-agency task force under Prime Minister Directive No. 38 — a high-level government initiative targeting counterfeiting and IP infringement across Vietnam.
National Media Coverage
The seizure received widespread coverage across Vietnam’s most authoritative outlets, including Nhan Dan (the official Communist Party newspaper), Bao Chinh Phu (the Government Portal), CafeF, and the Government’s official Facebook page.
Coverage consistently highlighted Seagate as a company with a proactive brand protection program that responds swiftly, collaborates with government authorities, and cares deeply about consumer safety and brand integrity.
Press Coverage:
What This Case Demonstrates
This enforcement action is a strong example of what effective brand protection looks like in practice — not just filing trademarks, but building an active infrastructure with customs recordal, trusted local counsel on the ground, rapid authentication capability, and close collaboration with government authorities. Vietnam is a key battleground for counterfeit technology products, and this case sends a clear message to bad actors in the region: Go bother others and leave our clients alone!