How does Croatian customs strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights? Which tools are used to detect and destroy counterfeit goods? Ukrainian delegation got acquainted with these and other European practices in the field of customs protection of intellectual property rights during an educational trip to the Republic of Croatia.
Vladyslav Bilotskyi, Deputy Director of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO/IP Office), took part in an educational trip organised by European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) as the part of the EU4IP project – “Strengthening intellectual property rights in Moldova and Ukraine”, which is funded by the EU.
The event was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the State Customs Services of Ukraine, Moldova and the European Union, as well as exchanging practical experience on detecting and preventing counterfeit goods.
The educational trip was supported by the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD) and was organised by the Directorate of Customs – the Central Office of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia.
The program included visits to key customs and law enforcement facilities in Zagreb, Jankomir, Baia and Rijeka.
The participants got acquainted with the practices of implementing the Regulation (EU) № 608/2013 concerning customs enforcement of intellectual property rights, in particular, using the system COPIS (Customs IP System), procedures for reviewing an Application for Action (AFA), within the framework of the IPEP (IP Enforcement Portal) platform, as well as the mechanisms of delaying, seizing and destroying counterfeit goods.
During the meetings at the Central Customs Office in Zagreb and at the border points, the participants discussed risk analysis, cooperation with the partner countries, as well as the challenges of the Western Balkans route in the context of movement of illegal products. Specific attention was paid to maritime transport, in particular to the supply routes of goods from China.
For Ukraine, participation in such events is a crucial element of preparation for EU membership, because customs control plays a key role in ensuring effective enforcement in the field of intellectual property.
As Vladyslav Bilotskyi commented, such education visits allow Ukrainian specialists not only learn from the best experience, but also to establish direct contacts with the Customs structures of the EU member states, which will help strengthen cross-border cooperation and increase the effectiveness of the fight against counterfeit goods.
“International cooperation in the customs sphere is key to building a reliable system for protecting intellectual property rights. Ukraine consistently develops this area in partnership with EUIPO, and such educational visits help integrate European standards into the practice of Ukrainian customs authorities,” said Deputy Director of UANIPIO.
Photo: EU International Intellectual Property Cooperation
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