European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office team up to enhance intellectual property rights in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia

On 12 December, the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) signed a new project in support of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. This new project, implemented by the EUIPO, aims at supporting economic development in the three partner countries by strengthening intellectual property rights and creating a favourable environment for innovation, creativity and competition. The agreement signed today is the result of our new, enhanced cooperation with the EUIPO. It establishes a 4-year programme in Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia which is co-financed by the European Commission with €2.8 million and by the EUIPO with €1.2 million for a total amount of €4 million.

Advancing on the Economic Investment Plan in the Eastern Partnership

This new programme will contribute directly to the objectives set in the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) for the Eastern Partnership by supporting the establishment of a strong legal framework that upholds and enforces intellectual property rights (IPR). Intellectual property rights play a crucial role in fostering economic development by encouraging innovation, attracting investment and stimulating competition. With this joint action, the European Commission, the EUIPO and partner countries will work together towards building more resilient, competitive and integrated economies.

A new cooperation in line with the EU enlargement agenda

The project will support the three countries in their ambition to join the EU by supporting regulatory and legal alignment with EU regulations and policies (also known as the ‘acquis’). Additionally, the new project will also support Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia in meeting their commitments under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) signed with the EU and currently being implemented.

Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations in the European Commission, said

“The project we are signing with the EUIPO today will be an important contribution to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine’s efforts on their path to EU accession. By supporting the establishment of strong intellectual property rights, this project will also contribute to improving the business environment and to enhancing economic growth. The EUIPO’s expertise will be key in assisting our partner countries to navigate the practical implications of their EU aspirations in this important field.” 

João Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO, said “The EUIPO has a very clear goal: to ensure that IP systems contribute to well-functioning markets and support innovation and creativity to generate growth, prosperity and opportunities – not only in the EU, but also abroad. During my October visit to Kyiv, I reinforced the EUIPO’s commitment to work closely with our neighbouring partners. Today’s agreement will help strengthen the protection and enforcement of IP rights in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova according to the commitments of the respective Association Agreements and in support of the accession process. Furthermore, it will boost trade between the EU and Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova and support their efforts to integrate into the EU intellectual property system and the EU Intellectual Property Network where all EU IP Offices work together for the benefit of our businesses, citizens and economies.”

Background

In July 2022 a Letter of Intent, was signed between DG NEAR and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This document set out a joint willingness to deepen cooperation between DG NEAR and the EUIPO, for the benefit of the EU’s partner countries in the Western Balkans, Southern neighbourhood, and Eastern Partnership region, of which the present cooperation is the first example.