The Relation between Intellectual Property Management and Firm Performance of Vietnamese Firms in the Information and Communication Technology Industry (ICT)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a core of the knowledge economy and among the most potential industries of Vietnam for the upcoming years. As in an industry with a high content of innovation and intellectual properties, ICT firms are required to have a wise intellectual property strategy to assure their preposition and sustainable development. Meanwhile, studies on intellectual property of Vietnam have hardly touched upon the management perspective, especially the firm management perspective. Therefore, this study examines the impacts of intellectual property management on firm performance in ICT industry of Vietnam. Intellectual property management is assessed through four levels, namely Awareness, Registration, Exploitation and Management, and Protection. Four measurements of firm performance are profitability, revenue growth, market share and the ability to maintain stable jobs and benefits for employees. Data obtained from 122 Vietnamese ICT firms indicates that each level of intellectual property management has a positive impact on firm performance. The findings provide a scientific basis for improving intellectual property management of ICT firms and Vietnamese firms in general.