The statement notes that the EU has recently approved measures in response to the unprovoked and unjustified military aggression carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as to the disinformation and information manipulation actions by the Russian Federation and its associated outlets against the EU and its Member States. EUIPO says that these measures add to the restrictive measures that have already been progressively put in place since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to unfold, EUIPO says that it stands firm on the side of democracy and the rule of law, and with the agreement of the European Commission, it has adopted various measures:

1. EUIPO has halted all cooperation with Rospatent, the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, and the Eurasian Patent Organisation (EAPO);
2. EUIPO has taken measures to provide its fullest support to its Ukrainian customers and to safeguard their IP rights while this situation prevents normal communication; it has extended its initial one-month extension of time limits for all parties in proceedings before EUIPO with their residence or registered office in Ukraine, for a further two months from 1 April 2022; EUIPO says that it will continue to review the need for further extensions and additional measures in the future;
3. EUIPO is ensuring that all data regarding parties’ addresses in its registries reflect Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, correcting erroneous indications where necessary.

EUIPO says that it joins the EU in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, and in demanding that Russia immediately cease its military actions, unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders. To read EUIPO’s statement in full, click here.