Between the 29^th January and 2^nd February, the expert from the EU funded project “Support to Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights”, Phil Lewis met with the Observatory on Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and right holder representatives to discuss the solutions for improving the cooperation between the state bodies responsible for IPR enforcement and increasing the capacities of right holders in this respect.

During the mission, Phil Lewis reviewed the modus operandi currently employed by the Observatory on Enforcement of IPR to coordinate the response of enforcement institutions to IPR infringements and studied how right holders representatives protect their rights.

In order to improve the right holders’ activity, the coordination of the Observatory on Enforcement of IPR and the response of enforcement institutions to IPR infringements, the international experts came up with recommendations in this respect. According to him, the Observatory should become part of the National Commission on IP and incorporate right holders into its structure. Also, right holders should form an association to fight piracy and counterfeiting.

“I am impressed with the structures Moldova already has in place to coordinate the fight against counterfeiting and piracy. However, these structures need to become more active and focused. In addition, right holders need to come together with one voice to lobby more effectively for Government support”, considers the international expert of the EU project.

Phil Lewis currently works as a consultant for a right holder Trade Association “Anti-Counterfeiting Group”. He previously worked for the Intellectual Property Office in the United Kingdom and was responsible for establishing the IPR Crime Unit in the United Kingdom and subsequently the European Union’s Observatory on the Infringement of IPR.

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The Observatory on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights works within AGEPI since 2011. The purpose of its creation was to ensure the exchange of information between the authorities responsible for monitoring the enforcement of intellectual property rights, as well as the preparation of reports, analytical and statistical studies in the field. At the same time, the Observatory exercises the functions of the World Trade Organization Notification Center on the implementation of the TRIPs Agreement and constitutes an effective means of promoting the activities of various authorities, institutions involved in combating intellectual property rights infringements.

The Technical Assistance project "Support to enforcement of the intellectual property rights" in the Republic of Moldova is funded by the European Union and is implemented by a Consortium led by Archidata Srl (Italy) together with European Profiles SA (Greece) and Business and Strategies in Europe S.A. (Belgium).

For more information please contact Ana-Maria Veverita, Expert on media and communication, veverita@ipr-moldova.net [1].