On January 27, 2022, the 19th meeting of the annual Dialogue on Intellectual Property Rights between Ukraine and the EU took place. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Oleksandr Hryban and Head of Investment and Intellectual Property Unit at European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade Carlo Pettinato.

"Protection of intellectual property is an important component of the country's investment attractiveness. We are working to improve legislation in this area and to ensure its compliance with international standards, including the EU. I am convinced that the dialogue with business and the expert community will help ensure not only proper protection of intellectual property rights, but also economic growth, support for innovation and technological development of Ukraine," said Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Oleksandr Hryban.

During the Dialogue, the parties discussed topical issues of progress in intellectual property reform, development of legislation, establishment of a specialized court on intellectual property, combating offenses, in particular in physical and online markets, trade in counterfeit medicines. Ukraine and EU representatives also paid attention to the state of affairs in the field of collective management of property rights of copyright holders in the field of copyright and (or) related rights.

"The Ministry of Economy will ensure open competitions for the accreditation of collective management organizations, so that our authors, composers and other rights holders receive a fair reward," added Oleksandr Hryban.

Improving the level of safeguarding and protection of intellectual property rights, approximation to European standards plays an important role in bilateral relations.

Carlo Pettinato, Head of Investment and Intellectual Property Unit at European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade, stressed that continued close cooperation between Ukraine and the EU contributes to the further implementation of the ambitious Chapter in terms of Intellectual Property Rights of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

"We also welcome the active participation of our joint stakeholders in this ongoing dialogue," said Carlo Pettinato.

In conclusion, the Ukrainian side noted the EU's support in establishing and developing cooperation with the Intellectual Property Office of the European Union and the European Patent Office and expressed hope for continued mutually beneficial cooperation and constructive dialogue.

The event was also attended by experts from the European Commission, the EU Delegation to Ukraine, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, central executive bodies, the scientific community and businesses.