USPTO severs ties with counterparts in Russia
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has terminated engagement with the Russian IP office Rospatent, as well as the Eurasia Patent Organisation, in response to the escalating conflict in Ukraine.
“Like so many, we are deeply saddened by the events unfolding in Ukraine. We hope for the restoration of peace and human dignity,” the USPTO said in a short statement released on Friday, March 4.
This is in accordance with guidance issued by the US Department of State, which has recommended that government offices halt their dealings with the government and Russian businesses.
The department is also making its voice heard within the UN system, requesting that fellow member states impose similar sanctions.
“Our message in all these bodies is clear: there can be no business as usual so long as Russia wages this brutal war on its neighbour,” A US Department of State spokesperson claimed.
IP office actions
This announcement is the latest in actions from several global IP offices that have imposed sanctions on the country following its violent invasion of Ukraine.
On Wednesday, March 2, the UK Intellectual Property Office said that it was “appalled by Russia’s despicable actions” and will be immediately ceasing business with Russian agents through “robust” sanctions.
The office will also be providing emergency services to Ukrainian partners, with UK Intellectual Property Office CEO Tim Moss adding that it will “provide the fullest support to our customers in Ukraine in relation to their UK intellectual property rights and applications.”
Also imposing sanctions on Russian counterparts last week was the European Patent Office, which announced that it had ceased its cooperation with Rospatent and the Eurasian Patent Organisation immediately.
The EPO added that it would assess and debate other possible measures and consequences with its 38 member states, extension states and observers in preparation for its upcoming administrative council meeting on March 22.
World Intellectual Property Review recently spoke to Kyiv-based Julia Semeniy of Asters Law and Yuliya Prokhoda CEO, patent and trademark attorney at Intels IP to find out how daily life has changed in the wartorn Ukrainian capital.
Did you enjoy reading this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox
Today’s top stories
Adidas hits Fashion Nova with fresh suit over Stan Smith shoes
