Ho Chi Minh City police charge owner of "Dat Lanh" ao dai for using AI to copy designs

Ho Chi Minh City police have launched a case against Hoang Thi Bich Ngoc, a businesswoman accused of infringing on the copyright of a traditional Vietnamese ao dai collection. The investigation, prompted by information from Hanoi's internal security police, focuses on Ngoc's alleged unauthorized reproduction of designs by noted designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam.

Designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam holds the legitimate copyright for his "Letters from the City" ao dai collection, which has been officially registered and publicly showcased. Despite knowing the work was protected, Ngoc allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to replicate the designs. She then directed her staff to finalize these copied designs for production, advertising, and sale under her brand, "Vải áo dài Đất Lành" (Dat Lanh Ao Dai Fabric).

The operation appears to have been structured as a commercial enterprise, complete with departments for design, sales, large-scale production, logistics, and accounting. The infringing products were marketed and sold online through numerous social media accounts, e-commerce groups, and a network of collaborators across various provinces, with a significant concentration in Hanoi.

The Center for Copyright Protection has confirmed the copying of protected designs. Authorities also noted Ngoc's attempts to obstruct the investigation by instructing employees to delete all data, messages, and images related to the stolen designs. Ho Chi Minh City police are continuing their investigation to ensure the case is handled strictly according to the law.