EUIPO halts cooperation with Russia, extends deadlines for Ukraine parties
The EU Intellectual Property Office has halted all cooperation with Rospatent, the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, and the Eurasian Patent Organisation (EAPO), and announced measures to support parties registered in Ukraine.
In a statement released today, the EUIPO said: “The EU has recently approved measures in response to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as to the disinformation and information manipulation actions by the Russian Federation and its associated outlets against the EU and its member states.”
These measures add to the steps already been progressively put in place since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, according to the office.
“As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, we stand firm on the side of democracy and the rule of law, and with the agreement of the European Commission, the EUIPO has adopted a number of measures in the field of intellectual property,” the office’s statement said.
To support Ukrainian customers and to safeguard their IP rights while this situation prevents normal communication, the office has issued a one-month extension of time limits dated from February 24 for all parties in proceedings before the office, which have their residence or registered office in Ukraine, and will review the need for further extensions and additional measures.
The office is also ensuring that all data regarding parties’ addresses in its registries reflect Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, correcting erroneous indications where necessary.
In conclusion, the office said: “The EUIPO joins the European Union in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, and in demanding that Russia immediately ceases its military actions, unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respects Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders.”
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