A meeting was held on April 8, this year, at the headquarters of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), in which members of the Observatory on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights and representatives of the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the U.S. Department of Commerce participated.

The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the development of a Guide for ascertaining the damage caused by the infringement of intellectual property rights (IPRs). This guide is important for clarifying the process of assessing damages in IPR infringement cases, thereby providing a clear and fair framework for dispute resolution.

During the discussions, the participants brought up various issues related to the ascertainment of damage, such as damage assessment methods or legal and practical aspects to be considered in the damage estimation process.

This initiative reflects the commitment of AGEPI and CLDP to strengthen the enforcement of intellectual property rights and promote a fair and equitable competitive environment. Through active collaboration, it aims to provide effective tools to combat IPR infringements and to ensure a robust judicial system in this area of economic activity.

The Observatory on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights, active within AGEPI since 2011, is a platform for the exchange of information between the authorities responsible for monitoring IPR enforcement in the Republic of Moldova. The following institutions are part of the Observatory: AGEPI, General Police Inspectorate, Competition Council, Customs Service, State Inspectorate for Supervision of Non-Food Products and Consumer Protection, Agency for Courts Administration and Prosecutor General’s Office.

The CLDP Program, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, advances USA foreign policy objectives in developing and post-conflict countries through trade legislative reforms and provides intergovernmental technical assistance through its specialists.