EU funding strengthening of intellectual property systems in Western Balkans

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood Policy and the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have launched a new cooperation project in the Western Balkans in partnership with the authorities in the region.

The Office’s headquarters in Alicante announced that the aim of the EU4IP-WB project was to strengthen the intellectual property systems in the participating countries, as well as to accelerate their gradual integration into the EU.

Moldova is also included in the project, exclusively within the framework of regional cooperation, the Office says in a statement.

The implementation of the new project in the field of intellectual property will expand the current international cooperation activities in this area funded by the EU and implemented by the Office in Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and the territory of Kosovo and Metohija.

The project will last 36 months and is co-financed by the European Commission and the EUIPO, which, as the implementing agency, will focus on the implementation of the adopted work plan, including activities to support alignment with the EU acquis in the field of intellectual property.

The office stated that the EU4IP-WB project was focused on supporting institutional capacities and regional cooperation to make intellectual property systems in the region more accessible, efficient and aligned with the EU framework.

– Activities will include the harmonization of laws, the modernization of intellectual property services and awareness-raising, especially among young people and small and medium-sized enterprises - the statement states, adding that stronger and more consistent intellectual property systems will contribute to innovation, investment and fair competition.

EUIPO is the Union agency for the management of EU trademarks, registered EU designs, geographical indications for craft and industrial products, as well as for European and international cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

European Commission Directorate General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood Policy

EU Intellectual Property Office

EUIPO

intellectual property cooperation project in Western Balkans