Innovative products are entering an era where the core value lies not only in the original work, but also in the exploitation rights that can be extended over time and space. From music, movies, fictional characters to images, designs, digital content… all can have ownership rights standardized, revenue tracked and benefits distributed to participants more transparently thanks to technology.
For Vietnam, with its young population and rapidly growing entertainment and media industry, this is a significant opportunity to upgrade the creative value chain to international standards.
IP, film and digital art – what are we talking about?
Copyrights, intellectual property rights, character images and brands, movies - television - web series, music, podcasts, online videos, digital works and creative assets used in games or designs... are all subjects of rights that can be exploited repeatedly, have little physical wear and tear, are easy to standardize contracts, and have a global distribution scope. When properly digitized, these subjects are more convenient in tracking revenue, checking data sources and sharing benefits according to agreements.
Why should IP/film exploitation rights be digitized?
The royalty stream is cyclical.: Revenue can come from box office, online services, advertising, sponsorship, sales/remakes, character licensing and associated products. When source data is well reconciled, the sharing of benefits under the agreement is more transparent.
Expand participation: Rather than just professional investors or large companies, the contractual rights allocation model can enable fan communities and small-scale partners to participate at a level that is financially feasible, by design, and compliant.
Increase transparency:Data from theaters, digital platforms and distribution channels, if standardized and independently audited, will help parties track exploitation results more clearly.
Enhancing IP value: A movie, character or series with a clear legal and commercial profile can have more favorable conditions in licensing, cooperation, franchising, and production capital calling transactions than before.
Vietnam advantage. A young population, high demand for online entertainment, and a dynamic private studio ecosystem are favorable grounds for experimenting with modern distribution and revenue management models while adhering to the law.
“Transparency is not just for 'peace of mind', but also for capital optimization. Every data blind spot increases the cost of capital and erodes IP valuation.‘ — Eric Vuong
Potential deployment models
Below are some models that businesses can learn to apply in the future, depending on the legal framework. Choosing which model requires a specific legal risk assessment and expert consultation.
a) Sharing of copyright revenue according to contract
Parties agree on the sharing ratio from clearly defined revenue sources (e.g., theaters, online platforms, advertising, copyright). Data transparency provisions, reconciliation processes, and payment schedules should be designed.
b) Project profit sharing
Allocation according to capital contribution ratio or production costs, excluding stock profits subject to securities law.
c) Community/fan interests
Offering non-financial perks like premiere tickets, VIP tickets, backstage tours, category voting, digital collectibles… This is a good way to bond with fandom,
d) Character/IP licensing by limit
Granting the right to use images/characters/designs for commercial purposes within a defined scope, period, and territory. A clear licensing management system is required to protect both the licensee and the licensee.
Deployment model according to international standards
Legal due diligence – ownership. Check registration status, compare contracts, assess dispute risks.
Revenue forecast. Build forecasting models based on box office, online revenue, advertising, merchandise and international markets; attach good scenarios – fundamentals – prudence; refer to appropriate accounting standards.
Product structure design. Determine the beneficiaries, scope and payment mechanism; control the minimum participation threshold; termination, buy-back and transfer mechanisms.
Introduction on the connection platform. Post project information, be careful to avoid profit commitments; disclose full risks and costs.
Monitoring – Control – Distribution. Standardize data sources from theaters/OTT/distribution channels; apply independent reconciliation processes; automate payment according to agreements when eligible.
Contract liquidity. If transfers are allowed, conditions, KYC/AML procedures, transfer restrictions (if any) and tax obligations should be specified.
International practice
Many projects around the world have experimented with the digitalization of music rights, film OSTs, or crowdfunding for independent films. The results vary depending on the model, market, and stage, but the common point is that data discipline – contract transparency – financial expectation management play a decisive role. When citing specific figures, it is necessary to use reliable and up-to-date verification sources.
Application orientation in the HVA ecosystem – VFilms – FundGo Cinema
As a research and development unit for the creative economy, HVA can coordinate with partners such as VFilms (soon to be FundGo Cinema) and appropriate technology infrastructure to:
- Experiment with film projects that have transparent revenue sharing mechanisms, prioritizing non-financial community privileges.
- Build a unified revenue data tracking toolkit from theaters and digital platforms; conduct independent audits before distributing benefits.
- Implement a quota-based character and IP licensing program, creating a value chain around original content (merchandise, games, art).
The scope of implementation is limited to the pilot model, R&D to verify effectiveness, with great potential for official implementation in the future under the new legal framework.
Conclusion
“Tokenization”, in the spirit of the article title, is carefully understood as the standardization and digitization of exploitation rights, thereby improving data transparency and the way benefits are allocated in the creative industry. When designed properly, film projects, characters, or digital works can access more resources, connect with the community, and expand the exploitation lifecycle while still protecting the rights holder. HVA aims to accompany partners such as VFilms, FundGo Cinema, etc. on a responsible testing roadmap, prioritizing legal safety, data standards, and transparent governance.
This series of articles is for sharing knowledge and information, not for investment recommendations or financial product offerings, not for legal analysis or predictions, but focuses on sharing about technology, economics, and investment. The contents referring to regulations, if any, will be written based on existing legal principles, the parts without detailed regulations will be explained and mentioned based on experience in countries that have implemented them in practice. Readers need to proactively read and understand the current policies and legal framework of Vietnam through official documents; at the same time, need to comply with the current legal framework and only operate when specifically licensed, cautiously and responsibly towards the State, community, and society.
Eric Vuong
Chairman of BOD
HVA Investment Joint Stock Company
