The State Agency on Intellectual Property of the Republic of Moldova (AGEPI) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Cooperation with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). In view of the epidemiological situation generated by the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19, the document was agreed and signed by both parties by correspondence.

With the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, AGEPI and EUIPO undertook to expand their cooperation in the field of intellectual property in order to strengthen intellectual property (IP) systems and services by organizing joint actions, exchanging experiences and implementing joint projects to integrate data in the field of trademarks and industrial design. Areas of cooperation will include the organization of seminars or workshops, online training courses and participation in office training activities. The document also involves joint activities aimed at increasing respect for IP rights, as well as addressing the economic aspects of the field, including by exchanging experience and information on the economic impact of innovative and creative industries, conducting studies and evaluations.

Alignment with EUIPO’s common trademark and design practices and harmonization of legislation with the acquis communautaire are key elements of the bilateral framework enshrined in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to contribute to the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova.

The memorandum is signed for a period of 4 years with the possibility of extension. The implementation of the Memorandum will be carried out on the basis of biennial action plans agreed between the two offices.

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EUIPO is a decentralized agency of the European Union based in Alicante, Spain. The Agency manages the registration of European Union trademarks and Community industrial designs, which guarantee the protection of intellectual property rights in all EU Member States. EUIPO also carries out cooperation activities with regional and national intellectual property offices in non-EU countries.