Amendments in IP protection system in Ukraine

On May 11th the Cabinet of Ministers adopted a decision which transfers duties of the State Intellectual Property Service of Ukraine connected with implementation of the state policy in the field of intellectual property to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The said duties include issuance of all titles of protection (patents and certificates) to the intellectual property.

The government decision is yet another step towards creation of the National Intellectual Property Authority in accordance with the Plan of High-Priority Actions of the Government in 2017 and Conception of Reforming the State System of Intellectual Property Protection in Ukraine.

“Intellectual Property reform is crucial for improving the investment environment, developing innovations, and creating state-of-the-art solutions. However, it is important to implement these changes and transition of duties gradually, without putting the whole system at risk” – said the First Vice-Prime Minister of the Government of the Ukraine, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mr. Stepan Kubiv.

The Government Decree on transferring the duties of the State Intellectual Property Service of the Ukraine to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade will enter into force on the day of its official publication.

Background

National Intellectual Property Authority (NIPA) is the unified central body performing such duties as granting patents (certificates) based on a “single window” principle in accordance with the best European and world practices. The said body, whose duties will be performed by the Ukrainian PTO, will be responsible for implementing the state policy in the sphere of intellectual property while the Minister of Economic Development and Trade will be responsible for developing a consistent state policy in this sphere. Creation of NIPA provides for gradual reforming the intellectual property sphere including gradual institution-related renovation of the national system for protection of intellectual property titles.