The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will continue to support Ukraine in strengthening the intellectual property system and developing the innovative ecosystem and creative sectors of the economy.

Habip Asan, Director of the Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC) of the World Intellectual Property Organization, emphasised this in his video address during the IP LET FORUM. He also noted Ukraine’s active cooperation with the WIPO:

“You are a valued member, and we are proud to partner with you to strengthen your IP system and support your innovation and creativity sector. […] I want to reaffirm WIPO’s commitment to providing concrete assistance and support to Ukraine, as indicated in the conclusions of the Report on the Assistance and Support for Ukraine’s Innovation and Creativity Sector and Intellectual Property System.

“The MoU signed between WIPO and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine on Cooperation in the Sphere of Intellectual Property also marks a new chapter in our cooperation. We look forward to working together to achieve the ambitious goals of the MoU to strengthen the national innovation ecosystem”, — emphasised Mr Asan.

The speaker noted the cooperation with the WIPO Academy and congratulated the completion of the training program for trainers and the creation of a pool of advanced experts for the National IP Academy:

“It is important to mention that in the past five years, approximately 450 scholarships for hybrid/distance learning courses were given to IP professionals on the recommendation of the Ukraine IP Office. More than 6000 participants have benefited from WIPO Academy’s hybrid/distance learning courses. Academia (43%) and the private sector (36%) make up for the most participation. And women account for more than 60% of participation. I encourage more Ukrainian stakeholders to participate in Academy courses.

“Another significant achievement is the joint project on Technology and Innovation Support Centers. We are pleased to follow the ongoing growth of the Ukrainian TISCs Network and are ready to continue supporting you with this endeavor”.

In addition, Mr Asan noted the joint work of WIPO and the Ukrainian IP Office directed at both supporting Ukrainian stakeholders in the IP field and the UANIPIO’s performance on the International Searching Authority (ISA)/International Preliminary Examining Authorities (IPEA) (ISA/IPEA) functions:

“We are pleased to cooperate closely with the Ukrainian IP Office as an International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority under the PCT. This will allow Ukrainian innovators to access more efficient and cost-effective patent searches and examinations, further propelling their innovation journey.”

Watch the full version of the video address of the Director of the WIPO’s Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC), as well as the speeches of other speakers given at the Forum, on the IP Office’s YouTube channel:

Marichka Padalko, Host at the IP LET FORUM

Photo: Yurii Bielakh

Ukrainian delegation is taking part in the working session of the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property.

This week, the 31st session of the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP) is taking place at the WIPO headquarters. The Ukrainian delegation, headed by the First Deputy Director of Ukrainian IP Office Bohdan Paduchak, with the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, also joined the active work.

The Agenda

Since the moment of its foundation, CDIP has been WIPO`s central authority responsible for coordinating the implementation of the 45 adopted recommendations under the WIPO`s Development Agenda (DA). The CDIP regularly monitors the implementation of each DA recommendation through Progress Reports, which include reports on the activities of the relevant WIPO sectors and divisions, as well as Reports by the Director General on the CDIP’s activities.

The 31st session of the meeting was opened by WIPO’s Deputy Director General for Regional and National Development Hasan Kleib, who emphasized the crucial role of IP for economic development, improving living standards and maintaining the balance of the international ecosystem, developing partnerships between all its participants. He emphasized that the community's focus remains on supporting small and medium-sized businesses, strengthening the role of women and youth, and the impact of climate change.

The discussion was focused on monitoring, evaluation, discussion and reporting on the implementation of all DA recommendations. The relevant report is presented in document CDIP/31/2, which contains a detailed overview of WIPO's achievements in implementing the DA recommendations, WIPO's expected results, as well as related DA projects. Thus, one of WIPO's activities under DA Recommendation 1 on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building is “finalization of a needs-assessment on technical assistance and other solutions to assure the business continuity and development of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO).

For each recommendation, the report outlines the implementation strategy adopted by the Committee.

Among the most significant projects: “Copyright and the Distribution of Content in the Digital Environment” (CDIP/31/6) and “Intellectual Property and Socio-Economic Development” (CDIP/31/8).

In addition, the following WIPO guides were presented:

• “Drawing on Creativity, Copyright for Animation Industry Professionals: A Training Tool” (CDIP/31/INF/2),
• “The Role of Intellectual Property Rights in the Fashion Industry: From Conception to Commercialization” (CDIP/31/INF/3),
• “Building a Digital Publishing Economy: Opportunities and Framework for Development” (CDIP/31/INF/4).

The session will also consider proposals for development projects for Brazil (CDIP/31/10), India (CDIP/31/9) and the Philippines (CDIP/31/5).

The session will also discuss topics for the next International Conference on Intellectual Property and Development (2025).

The mandate of the CDIP covers the consideration and discussion of key initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges and unlocking the potential of intellectual property in various sectors, in line with WIPO's Medium-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP) for 2022-2026 and the Sustainable Development Goals and Economic Growth (SDGs).

Ukraine's Position

However, the goals of the global IP community and the effective development of the sphere cannot be fully achieved without taking into account global challenges, the catalyst for which was the full-scale war in Ukraine.

In particular, in his speech, the First Deputy Director of the IP Office Bohdan Paduchak emphasized that despite the significant efforts of WIPO and its member states in addressing global issues, the aggressive war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine devalues all these achievements and only deepens the existing challenges:

“russia continues to use food as a weapon. As a result of massive attacks since russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukraine suffered a reduction in the export potential of its ports by 40%, and approximately 300,000 tons of grain was destroyed. The export of grain cargoes to the countries of Asia, Africa and Europe was reduced by almost
3 million tons per month.

russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy system caused losses of more than 11 bln USD, according to the assessment by the United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank”.

Bohdan Paduchak once again called on the international community to continue its policy of Russia’s isolating:

“russia has no right to shape further the international agenda. It was ousted from more than 27 international organizations, and just recently, Russia was not elected to the International Court of Justice for the first time since 1946.”

Ramiz Ramazanov, Counselor, Economic Section, Permanent Mission of Ukraine
to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva

The statement of Ukraine was supported by the representatives of the following delegations:

• Poland - on behalf of the Regional Group of the Central European and Baltic States;

• Netherlands - on behalf of Group B countries;

• Spain - on behalf of the European Union and its member states.

The issues considered at the Committee session are also important for Ukraine in view of the IP Office's (UANIPIO) performance of NIPA functions, as well as the implementation of projects aimed at supporting the innovation and creative sectors of Ukraine. In particular, the projects jointly with WIPO include the development of a network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), the establishment of the National Intellectual Property Training Center (IP Academy), the establishment of the IP Mediation Center, etc.

Photo: WIPO/flickr.com

Ukraine has every opportunity to become a country with an innovative economy. This requires mechanisms which are currently being developed – in particular, with the support of European partners.

This was discussed by the participants of the “Creating Today a Sustainable IP Platform for Tomorrow” meeting. Namely, the representatives of:

• the EUIPO (the European Union Intellectual Property Office),
• the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine,
• the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (the Ukrainian IP Office / UANIPIO),
• the European IP offices,
• the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine,
• and various stakeholders of the intellectual property industry.

Rémi Duflot, the Deputy Head of the EU Representation in Ukraine, talked about the cooperation between Ukraine and the EU and the future of creative industries after the war.

Vitalii Kindrativ, the Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, emphasised the importance of the strategy for developing intellectual property in Ukraine and the steps that the Government will take to create innovative, creative entrepreneurship in our country and promote the development of investment attractiveness in Ukraine.

Olena Orliuk, the Director of the Ukrainian IP Office, spoke about the work on developing the Ukrainian innovative and creative sectors, the scientific environment, and the sphere of intellectual property.

The meeting “Creating Today a Sustainable IP Platform for Tomorrow” was held in Kyiv at the end of October.

What international partners talked about in Kyiv on the cooperation with Ukraine, the potential of our IP sphere, and the exchange of experience.

The Ukraine-EU Meeting on Intellectual Property Issues was successfully held in Kyiv. Many international partners came to visit Ukraine. Among these were:

•   the Executive Director of the EUIPO, João Negrão,
•   the Director General of the Estonian Patent Office, Margus Viher,
•   the Director of the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia, Agris Batalauskis,
•   the President of the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, Edyta Demby-Siwek,
•   and the Director of the State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania, Irina Urbonė.

They discussed the importance of cooperation with Ukraine, the potential of the Ukrainian IP sphere, and the exchange of experience. Olena Orliuk, the Director of the Ukrainian IP Office, summarised the discussion with foreign colleagues.

See more about this, as well as the vision of cooperation and partnership of the heads of international IP offices, in the video:

Read more:

Impressed by the heroism of Ukrainians: delegation of EUIPO and European IP Offices visited Bucha and Irpin (video)

Ukraine joined EU’s regional program to support intellectual property

Heads of IP offices in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova on initiatives to support Ukrainian IP sphere

The EUIPO delegation, the heads of the IP offices of Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Moldova, the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine, and the Ukrainian IP Office’s experts and specialists discussed the latest developments in the field of intellectual property and the main priorities of further cooperation during the meeting.

“Today, there was a lot of talk about joint plans with European partners, and it was very nice to receive a high evaluation of the work of the IP office. We face significant challenges, but we must do everything we can to help Ukraine now, during the war, and in its innovative development after victory. On our path to European integration, our European colleagues’ experience, advice, and expertise are significant. You will help us overcome this path faster”, - the Director of the Ukrainian IP Office, Olena Orliuk, addressed the representatives of the European delegation.

The head of the trade and economic department of the EU Representation in Ukraine, Alberto Fernández-Díez, noted that intellectual property is important for the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), as it is crucial for the full integration of Ukraine with the European Union. According to him, the support of the IP sphere and creative and innovative sectors are essential factors for improving the business climate in Ukraine, further post-war reconstruction, and creating an innovative ecosystem as a whole.

Nataliia Petrova, Head of the Department of Examination of Applications for Industrial Property of the IP Office, spoke in more detail about the work of the expert corps, the terms of consideration of applications for industrial property objects and the challenges that experts face in their work. The speaker noted that one of the main priorities of the IP office is to improve the quality of expertise and the constant improvement of the experts’ qualifications.

The Executive Director of EUIPO, João Negrão, was impressed by the terms of consideration of applications for individual objects and noted that by European standards, they are operational. “Four months for the examination of useful models is very swift. You register utility models faster than we register trademarks,” he said.

Bohdan Paduchak, the First Deputy Director of the IP Office, emphasised that the Ukrainian IP Office closely cooperates with the European Patent Office in matters of more efficient processing of national patent applications. He also added that Ukraine is working on implementing the European post-grant opposition procedure for trademarks.

According to Olena Orliuk, the transition to the European procedure for consideration of trademark applications currently poses particular challenges for business. For the effective operation of this procedure, Ukraine needs to significantly increase the effectiveness of the protection of IP rights in general – and this is a complex task in which the IP Office is actively involved within its competence. Another task is to improve search databases significantly. “Improving the search and expert database for trademarks and involvement artificial intelligence technologies are one of the main problems for the IP office in the context of expertise. We are looking for opportunities and partners for technical assistance since quality expertise is key not only for a national applicant but also for a foreign one,” she said.

The President of the Patent of the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland Edyta Demby-Siwek, the Director of the State Patent Office of the Republic of Lithuania Irina Urbonė, the Director General of the Estonian Patent Office Margus Viher, the Director of the Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia Agris Batalauskis, and the Director General of the State Agency of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova Eugeniu Rusu told more about the work of European IP offices, as well as the challenges they face in the process of their activity.

Discussing the opposition procedure in the field of trademarks, Edyta Demby-Siwek noted that, for a long time, they had two registration systems (the EUIPO registration system and their national system) which was difficult for businesses since respective certificates and patents were issued at different speeds. “For entrepreneurs, time is the most important thing. Before we changed our system in Poland, there were many meetings and discussions on this issue,” said the speaker.

Eugeniu Rusu emphasised that Moldova is changing its registration system and relevant legislation in accordance with EU rules.

Mykola Pototskyi, an Adviser to the Director of the IP Office, informed about changes in the legislative field in the IP sphere. According to him, this year, important changes to the relevant legislation came into force and bye-laws were developed, which relate to the activities of the Appeals Chamber, and the “Ukraine” Commission, as well as the restoration of access to the profession of patent attorneys. The IP Office expects the adoption of these acts this year.

He added further that work is currently underway on byelaws related to trademarks, industrial designs, and inventions. The drafts of these acts are based on EU guidelines, which made it possible to take into account both EU Directives and Regulations and the practice of the EU Court. The next year, a large-scale reform of state registers and the development of methods for experts are planned.

Also, noted that the representatives of the Ukrainian side informed their European colleagues about the copyright situation and the state of the creative and innovative sectors.

The Deputy Director of the IP Office, Vladyslav Bilotskyi, also noted that the focus of attention of the Ukrainian office is not only on protection but also on ensuring the effective protection of intellectual property rights. Consideration of IP cases in national courts takes a long time, is expensive and requires significant human resources. Since this clearly does not contribute to the improvement of the investment climate in Ukraine, the IP office is working on the development of alternative methods of dispute resolution, in particular mediation, and on the administrative appeal mechanism.

When building the architecture of the mechanism of appeal of security documents in Latvia, they were guided primarily by the practice of the EUIPO. Agris Batalauskis noted this and added that they are ready to share this experience with Ukraine. Irina Urbonė was pleasantly impressed by the achievements of the Ukrainian IP office in many issues. She is convinced that the exchange of experience will be useful for both offices – Lithuanian and Ukrainian. Margus Viger talked about the support areas for Ukraine where the Estonian IP office can be useful.

The meeting participants agreed to share the experience of appeals within the administrative mechanism and court procedures between national jurisdictions and the EU. Also, during the meeting, the participants outlined the priority areas for the Ukrainian IP Office for methodical assistance from European colleagues.

Summarising the results of the visit, João Negrão noted the great role of the national IP Office in developing the IP sphere of Ukraine. “Keep doing what you are doing, because you are doing everything very well,” the Head of the EUIPO summed up, assuring his Ukrainian colleagues that they would do everything possible to help the IP office achieve its desired goals.

During the visit, representatives of the European Delegation could get a glimpse into the experts’ work and then visited the Museum of Legal Protection of Intellectual Property.

Photo: Yury Bielakh

Read more:

Impressed by the heroism of Ukrainians: delegation of EUIPO and European IP Offices visited Bucha and Irpin (video)

Ukraine joined EU’s regional program to support intellectual property

Heads of IP offices in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Moldova on initiatives to support Ukrainian IP sphere

João Negrão, EUIPO’s Executive Director: Active support of Ukraine is our priority

Remi Duflot, Deputy Head of EU Delegation to Ukraine: Progress in IP sphere brings cooperation between Ukraine and European Union to a new level

Vitalii Kindrativ, Deputy Minister of Economy: Intellectual property is integral component of innovative recovery of Ukraine

Head of the IP Office Olena Orliuk: Ukraine shall provide the level of IP services corresponding to best European practices

Tim Lince, 23 October 2023

• EUIPO executive director heads EU delegation visit to Ukraine
• Agreement struck during trip includes trademark-related pledges
• Work plan, which includes adding Ukraine trademark data to TMview, “will bring Ukraine to the European IP family”

In a historic visit, EUIPO executive director João Negrão has led a European delegation to Kyiv in a bid to formalise the agency’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s integration into the EU IP system. Speaking to WTR, Negrão says that the visit “reinforces the EUIPO’s role as an effective interlocutor for Ukraine in dialogue with EU partners”. 

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, the EUIPO has repeatedly implemented measures to help parties affected by the conflict. Among other things, it has granted an extension to all parties in proceedings before the agency that have a residence or registered office in Ukraine. To date, this two-month extension has been granted nine times. 

In July, it forged a new partnership with the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO) when representatives met in Geneva to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to “mark the beginning” of cooperation between the two parties.

This week, that partnership has reached a new level with Negrão’s visit to Kyiv. Under the auspices of an EU delegation to Ukraine, the meeting has brought together representatives from various EU national IP offices. The primary objective, the EUIPO states, has been to strengthen cooperation between the parties, focusing on supporting Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN). Today, Negrão and UANIPIO director Olena Orliuk officially signed a two-year work plan.

Implemented over the next two years, the plan includes:

• supporting the UANIPIO by offering tools for IP rights management and integrating Ukrainian trademark and design data into the EUIPO’s online databases, TMview and DesignView;
• harmonising trademark and design practices with the European Union, including staff training and cooperation;
• sharing information on the economic impact of intellectual property, enforcement and anti-scam measures; and
• deepening the UANIPIO’s integration into the EU IP system, including conducting an international IP cooperation project involving Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.

One of the meeting's major focuses has been on the challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for collective efforts to address – and minimise the adverse effects of – IP issues. Discussions have also focused on exploring the role of intellectual property and innovation in Ukraine's post-war recovery and enhancing its investment ecosystem. 

The fact that the EUIPO is taking a lead role in supporting Ukraine’s efforts to become an EU member is notable. Negrão commented on the importance of the agency’s mission to collaborate with the UANIPIO, stating: “The work plan not only stresses the EUIPO and the EU national offices’ commitment to support our Ukrainian partners in the run-up to EU accession, it also reinforces our role as an effective interlocutor for Ukraine in the dialogue with the EU partners.”

Orliuk views this week’s visit as “the formulation of a vision for a shared future in which IP and innovation will play a pivotal role”, adding: “The decisions and documents of [these] meetings will make a substantial contribution to this endeavor. We deeply value the support of our steadfast partners on this challenging yet irreversible journey.”

At another event held today, the deputy head of the EU delegation to Ukraine, Rémi Duflot, said that the visit has brought parties “to a new level of cooperation and ambition of our reforms”. The discussions – being held today and tomorrow – should prove productive for all parties, he added.

“I am shocked by the consequences that Russia is causing by waging war against Ukraine – the losses and damage it causes, in particular to the creative industries,” said Duflot. “At the same time, this war shows intellectual property in a new light; IP is now seen as a very important element of rebuilding Ukraine, attracting enough investment and creating a predictable stable environment that investors are currently looking for. I hope that within two days we will have a lot of productive solutions – and the roadmap that will result will bring Ukraine to the European IP family through the exchange of experience, knowledge and best practices.”

The strengthening of ties between the EUIPO and the UANIPIO is a pivotal step towards Ukraine’s integration into the EU IP system, as well as bringing the country a step closer to full EU membership. For that reason, trademark owners in Europe stand to gain, as it paves the way for a more robust and diverse IP environment, while also safeguarding any current or future interests in Ukraine.

Link to the source: worldtrademarkreview.com

The delegation of EUIPO and European IP offices visited Kyiv region. In particular, they visited Bucha and Irpin and beholded the consequences of war crimes committed by russian troops during the occupation of the cities.

It was an emotional and challenging trip, but it shows that Ukraine has hope for victory and strong development after the war is over.

"Intellectual property can be very- very useful. It will help businesses to operate, create jobs and grow. It will provide the opportunity for future generations of Ukrainians to prosper," said João Negrao, EUIPO Executive Director.

"Despite of the war, we need to start rebuilding Ukraine now and create mechanisms for its further development," noted Olena Orliuk, Director of the UANIPIO.

The European delegation included, in particular:

• Executive Director, EUIPO João Negrão
• Director, Institutional and Cooperation Department (ICD) EUIPO Sandris Laganovskis
• Director General, Estonian Patent Office Margus Viher
• Director, Patent Office of the Republic of Latvia Agris Batalauskis
• Director, State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania Irina Urbonė
• President, Patent Office of the Republic of Poland Edyta Demby-Siwek
• Director General of the State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova Eugeniu Rusu

• The Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO) and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have agreed on a set of activities to support Ukraine’s EU integration process.
• The signature will take place during the visit of an EU delegation headed by João Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO, to Kyiv.
• The Ukrainian IP office will get support from the EU in trade mark and design-related matters including enforcement of IP rights.

Today’s meeting in Kyiv is organised under the auspices of the EU Delegation to Ukraine and will gather representatives from the EUIPO, UANIPIO, the European IP offices from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, and the State Agency on Intellectual Property from Moldova (AGEPI).

The purpose of the meeting is to consolidate the cooperation between the EUIPO, the EU national IP offices, AGEPI and the UANIPIO and exchange views on how to support the efforts of the UANIPIO and the Ukrainian IP community to pave the way for future accession to the EU and for joining the European Union IP Network (EUIPN), a network made up of the EUIPO and the national IP offices of the EU. This cooperation will take shape in the form of a Work Plan for the years 2024 and 2025, following a previous Memorandum of Understanding agreed in Geneva in July 2023. The goals of the meeting also include discussing the significant impact of the ongoing war of aggression on Ukraine's IP sphere, emphasizing the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address these challenges and mitigate their adverse effects. Additionally, the visit aims to explore the role of intellectual property and innovation in the post-war recovery of the country, as well as in enhancing Ukraine's investment climate.

The two-year plan will be signed by Olena Orliuk, Director of UANIPIO and João Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO.

‘‘Intellectual property and innovation play a crucial role in the context of Ukraine's EU candidate status. Through the harmonizing of rules and procedures in these spheres, we are not only enabling Ukraine to present itself as an innovative and creative nation to the global community but also substantially enhancing the country's investment attractiveness. And the innovative post-war recovery of Ukraine will largely depend on how effective we are in this regard. It is especially valuable that EUIPO Executive Director Mr João Negrão undertook his first foreign visit in his new position to Ukraine. This demonstrates the high level of support for Ukraine by our partners", - commented Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

‘Today's agenda includes not only current challenges, but also the formulation of a vision for a shared future in which intellectual property and innovation will play a pivotal role. Effective protection and enforcement of IP and innovations are integral to sustaining Ukraine's economic infrastructure and ensuring its competitiveness. The decisions and documents of today's meetings will make a substantial contribution to this endeavor. We deeply value the support of our steadfast partners on this challenging yet irreversible journey", - stated Olena Orliuk, Director of the UANIPIO.

‘The work plan agreed today in Kyiv not only stresses the EUIPO’s and the EU national offices’ commitment to support our Ukrainian partners in the run-up to EU accession, it also reinforces our role as an effective interlocutor for Ukraine in the dialogue with the EU partners, - added João Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO.

‘Strengthening the protection of intellectual property is not only essential in the context of Ukraine’s accession to the EU, but also for the more immediate needs of reconstruction: without a robust intellectual property ecosystem, foreign investors just won't come in large enough numbers. It is essential to protect investment, foster innovation, and boost economic growth and job creation. What was agreed today shows our commitment to support Ukraine’s accession path to the EU and help it become a modern and thriving economy", - concluded Rémi Duflot, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine.

Towards the integration of Ukraine into the EU intellectual property system

The 2024-2025 Work Plan will enable the Ukrainian office UANIPIO to benefit from EU support in several areas related to the management of intellectual property rights: management tools for examination purposes, support in harmonising trade mark and design registration and examination practices with those of the EU, staff training opportunities and cooperation.

The plan also includes activities such as the mutual exchange of information on studies related to the impact of intellectual property on the economy, as well as enforcement and anti-scam activities. In addition, it paves the way to include Ukrainian trade mark and design data in the EUIPO’s databases, which are the largest in the world, comprising more than 115 million trade marks and more than 20 million designs from five continents.

The adoption of the tools and practices for IP rights of the EUIPO and the EU IP offices is expected to attract foreign investment opportunities and help Ukrainian businesses when operating abroad.

The Work Plan will be complementary to the EU-Ukraine IP Dialogue, which reviews progress on the intellectual property reform with a view to implementing the ambitious IPR provisions for future EU membership.

As part of the EU’s broader efforts to deepen the integration of the UANIPIO into the EU’s IP system, an international IP cooperation project involving Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia is also being discussed.

EU support to Ukraine in the field of IP

In 2022, the EUIPO took measures to provide support to Ukrainian trade mark and design owners and to safeguard their IP rights within the EU, while continuing the technical work and cooperation with the Ukrainian IP authorities.

The Work Plan is also built upon a ground-breaking agreement reached in February 2023 between the European Commission and Ukraine, allowing the latter to participate in activities financed by the European Union under the Single Market Programme.

In June 2023, the EUIPO’s and the European Commission’s SME Fund was extended to support Ukrainian businesses, which can now get funding to apply for IP rights like trade marks, designs or patents.

ABOUT THE EUIPO

The EUIPO is one of the largest decentralised agencies of the EU, based in Alicante, Spain. Ranked as the most innovative intellectual property office in the world in 2021, the EUIPO manages the registration of the European Union trade mark (EUTM) and the registered Community design (RCD), both of which provide intellectual property protection in all EU Member States. It also carries out cooperation activities with the national and regional intellectual property offices of the EU and hosts the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights.

ABOUT THE UANIPIO

In 2022, Ukraine completed the institutional reform of the IP sphere and the implementation of the relevant legislation. The result of the reform was the establishment of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO, IP office). The UANIPIO functions as client-oriented state services, grounded on the principles of transparency, professionalism, decency and support. It is an ecosystem of IP protection and innovation for a creative cluster, which in its turn will become an investment magnet. UANIPIO perform ISA/IPEA functions. Recently the UANIPIO launched a full-fledged Mediation Center. This is a new tool for the Ukrainian IP system, which functions in all developed economies of the world.