Ukraine's progress towards full membership in the EU means preserving the powerful creative and technological potential of our people. That is why national authority (IP Office), as an International Search Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), is working to develop an innovation infrastructure that will support inventors and creators, promote the protection of intellectual property and enhance the country's defense capability.
This was emphasized by Olena Orliuk, Director of Ukrainian IP Office, during the bilateral meeting with the representatives of the European Patent Office (EPO), which took place within the framework of the 65th series of meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which is currently taking place in Geneva (Switzerland).
The European Patent Office was represented by:
- Antonio Campinos, President;
- Mariana Karepova, Principal Director European and International Affairs and Principal Advisor to the President;
- Nikolaos Chardalias, Lead IP5, International Organisations and Global Users;
- Nelson das Neves, Lead, Regional Desk Americas, Africa and ASEAN.
Ukrainian IP Office was represented by:
- Olena Orliuk, Director of Ukrainian IP Office;
- Vladyslav Bilotskyi, Deputy Director of the IP Office.
First of all, Olena Orliuk thanked Antonio Campinos and the European Patent Office for the support provided by the EPO to Ukraine in the process of its integration into the EU, as well as for the support of the Ukrainian national office.
"The assistance of the international community is extremely important for countering the russian aggressor, whose actions have a negative impact not only on Ukraine, but also on the whole world," said Olena Orliuk.
She spoke about the latest achievements of the IP Office and urged to read the Annual Report of the UANIPIO, as well as publications and reports on the projects of the TISC network, Mediation Center, IPR Infringement Monitoring Center, The IP Academy and the Information dashboard illustrating the main indicators of the IP Office's work in 2023.
Representatives also shared with the EPO management how the IP system and the Ukrainian IP Office operate in the context of constant security threats and the enormous challenges of russia's aggressive war. The discussion of the recent atrocious attacks provoked clear condemnation and support from European colleagues.
In addition, Olena Orliuk informed that Ukraine is working on the National IP Strategy for the period up to 2030, which will respond to all challenges, including those related to the russian aggression:
"This document is being developed by a large team of national and international experts with the support of WIPO. We are doing our best to make this leading strategic document an example not only for the intellectual property sector," assured Director of the IP Office.
Vladyslav Bilotskyi shared information on new mechanisms, which Ukraine is introducing to improve the effectiveness of intellectual property rights enforcement, in particular:
- Mediation Center operates on the basis of the IP Office, which is working on the development of IP mediation,
- IPR Infringement Monitoring Center, whose main mission is to bring together representatives of law enforcement and customs authorities, right holders and business to fight against counterfeiting and piracy.
Outlining general business trends, Olena Orliuk shared her observation:
"We see a new trend - national technology businesses and innovative SMEs are deepening ties with the US and European markets, especially in the context of military and defence innovations. We are interested in opportunities to support our businesses through the SME Fund (SME Fund) in the European area."
Finally, Director of National IP Office thanked the EPO for its participation in the EU4IP EU-funded project. According to her, this project is one of the main platforms for assisting Ukraine in preparing the IP sector for the EU market.
She also thanked her colleagues for including our inventor Valentyn Frechka in the list of nomination finalists “Young Inventors Prize” in European Inventor Award.
"We are happy to continue cooperation with EPO experts at the IP Academy trainings. Thank you for patent search tools and EPO services, which have become very useful for our expertise and development. I hope that we will be able to continue our cooperation within these services," concluded Olena Orliuk.
Read other news from the WIPO General Assembly:
- WIPO General Assembly: Bogdan Paduchak calls for further discussion of approaches to determining the scope of country names and state symbols imitation
- AI’s impact on Copyright and Exceptions and Limitations to Copyright for People with Disabilities – Ukraine’s Statement at the WIPO General Assembly
- Ukrainian IP Office agreed to deepen cooperation with the State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova
- INTA is ready to support Ukraine’s IP system and the national IP Office in the face of the ongoing war: outcomes of the meeting between the management of the IP Office and INTA
- Delegations Call to Close WIPO External Office in moscow: Discussion on 65th Assemblies of WIPO Member States
- Implementation of international best practices in mediation will strengthen the system of IP rights protection in Ukraine – Vladyslav Bilotskyi at the WIPO General Assembly
- Experience Exchange and Ukrainian IP Sphere’s Adaptation to EU Market: EUIPO and Ukrainian IP Office Executive Meeting
- Combating russian Disinformation and Propaganda in Assemblies of WIPO Member States
- WIPO General Assembly: Ukrainian Delegation Discussed Cooperation Priorities with Habip Asan, Director of the WIPO Division for Transition and Developed Countries
- The 65th series of meetings of Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO started in Geneva: the Ukrainian delegation called for closing the WIPO External Office in russia