Prepared by: Viktoriia Smyrnova
KIEV - After much debate, the Ukrainian Institute of Intellectual Property granted free access to its online database of trademark applications on August 21, which is a step forward in developing IP rights protection in Ukraine.
Even though the database only contains applications that passed the formal examination since August 20, trademark owners will be able to monitor new applications and daily updates, ensuring timely enforcement of their prior rights.
Until recently, TM owners passed up on filing oppositions and preventing registrations of similar or identical trademarks, because a TM availability search cost them at least UAH 720 (EUR 30; USD 35) depending on the type of search and urgency.
For more information, please contact ukraine@petosevic.com
Source: Ukrainian PTO
PETOŠEVIĆ