Advocates and patent attorneys combine their expertise in the field of intellectual property

Joint legislative proposals, expert opinions on regulatory changes and professional discussions on key issues in the field of intellectual property will form the basis of cooperation between the Ukrainian National Bar Association and the National Association of Patent Attorneys of Ukraine.

On April 23 in Kyiv, a memorandum of cooperation was signed by the President of the UNBA, BCU Lidiya Izovitova and the chairman of the NAPA Daria Kaplunenko.

The document provides for the coordination of activities in the field of intellectual property and the establishment of a permanent channel of communication between the professional communities. The parties emphasized the need to develop this sector in Ukraine, protect the rights of intellectual property rights holders, raise legal awareness, and harmonize legislation with EU standards and international norms.

One of the key areas of cooperation is joint participation in regulatory work. This involves developing proposals and recommendations for draft laws and other regulatory acts in the field of intellectual property, as well as preparing expert opinions on draft laws and subordinate legislation regarding the protection and enforcement of such rights. The UNBA and the NAPA will work toward harmonizing legislation with the legal norms of the European Union.

The memorandum also opens the possibility for a coordinated presentation of a professional position in relations with state institutions. The parties agreed on joint participation in working groups of government bodies and parliamentary Committees, and, if necessary, on the preparation and submission of joint statements or appeals to government bodies and international organizations.

There are also plans to expand areas of professional development and experience exchange. The UNBA and the NAPA will hold joint seminars, training sessions, roundtables, webinars, and forums; exchange documents and professional information; and implement educational initiatives in the field of intellectual property.

The implementation of the memorandum will be coordinated by Philip Bilitsky, a member of the NAPA Board and Yuriy Romanyuk, chairman of the UNBA Committee on intellectual property.