Question: We are about to setup OTT TV service in Vietnam and we are lookingfor a law firm who knowsabout the media industry in Vietnam. We want to know do we need permit orlicense to operate OTT TVin Vietnam? If yes can you acquire it for us.
Answer: This is reference to your email below. We noted that your company intends to setup a foreign invested company for providing OTT TV Service in Vietnam.
Until now, Vietnam Law has not yet updated regulation on OTT Service in general.
Then, before providing you legal advice in this matter, could you describe us more detail how you deliver your services to end users in Vietnam.
This shall help us much to find the best solution for your case.
We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Your service can be classified to Digital Content Services. Vietnam Government does not commit to open market for foreign investor to provide Digital Content. Then, the approval shall be granted per case by case basis. However, in this case, End to End shall be provided by a Partner in US and you are only going to do the marketing in Vietnam. Then, we suggest that you should consider setting up a Representative Office in Vietnam which shall allow you to (i) conduct market research in Vietnam; (ii) liaise with Vietnamese Business Partners to manage and follow contracts signed with your parent company... We further note that Representative Office is not permitted to conduct activities for profit making purpose.
Please let us know if you are interested in this option. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.
If you would like further information on Inquires on setting up OTT TV services in Vietnam, please either email to our Partners at: info@sblaw.vn or call to our Office:
Ha Noi Office: +84 (4) 62 62 0246
HCM Office: +84 (8) 35 208 101.
