EU and Ukraine agree to harmonise IP system
Under two-year plan, Ukraine will receive support with integrating IP procedures into EU | EU’s executive to present a report on Ukraine’s progress towards joining the bloc.
The European Union and Ukraine have agreed a plan to integrate Ukraine’s IP system with that of the bloc, as it was announced that a presentation on the progress of Ukraine’s EU membership bid is just weeks away.
In an announcement yesterday, Tuesday, October 24, the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) revealed that a “set of activities” had been agreed to harmonise Ukraine’s IP rules and procedures, and pave the way for the country’s future accession to the EU as well as membership of the EU IP Network (EUIPN).
The news preceded an announcement, also made yesterday, from three EU officials that the EU’s executive would present an assessment of progress made by Ukraine in its membership bid on November 8, Reuters reported.
This assessment, part of an annual report by the European Commission on countries looking to join the bloc, is considered “a key stepping stone” in the EU’s decision on whether to enter into accession talks with Kyiv.
‘Crucial role’ of IP in candidate status
Under the two-year plan for IP integration, set for 2024 and 2025, the Ukrainian IP office (UANIPIO) will receive support from the EU on managing IP rights. This will include management tools for examination purposes, support on harmonising trademark and design registration and examination practices with those of the EU, and staff training.
The deal also clears the way for Ukrainian trademark and design data to be included in the EUIPO’s databases, and for collaboration on enforcement and anti-scam activities.
‘‘Intellectual property and innovation play a crucial role in the context of Ukraine’s EU candidate status,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko, first deputy prime minister and minister of economy of Ukraine.
“Through the harmonising 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.”
EU delegation
The meeting took place in Kyiv during the visit of an EU delegation headed by João Negrão, executive director of the EUIPO, who signed the plan alongside Olena Orliuk, director of UANIPIO.
Also discussed was the significant impact of Russia’s invasion on Ukraine’s IP system, and the role of IP and innovation in the country’s post-war recovery.
The EUIPO said the measures would help attract foreign investment to Ukraine and provide a boost to Ukrainian businesses operating abroad.
Negrão commented: “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.”
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