An event was held to mark the conclusion of the project “The Role of Intellectual Property in Preserving Сultural Identity and Heritage”, implemented by the Ukrainian IP Academy under the IP Office (UANIPIO). The IP Dialogue with artisans took place in Kyiv on 21 May 2025.
The IP Dialogue with artisans of traditional crafts became a platform for expert discussion on how intellectual property can serve as a practical tool for protecting and developing folk arts and crafts.
This event was the final stage of the large-scale project launched in 2024 with the support of the WIPO Academy. The project aims to preserve traditional crafts as a vital part of the nation’s cultural code through IP knowledge and awareness.
Virag Halgand, Head, Section for Central European and Baltic States Countries and Mediterranean Countries, TDC, WIPO, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. She emphasized the significance of the project for the development of crafts and the preservation of cultural heritage:
“This powerful project, which bridges generations – past, present, and future – was made possible thanks to the support of WIPO and the WIPO Academy, as well as the proactive role of the Ukrainian IP Office and its IP Academy. It helps ensure the transmission and rooting of cultural heritage, which is particularly crucial for young people. Ukraine clearly cares deeply about its cultural heritage, and projects like this, alongside public dialogue, contribute greatly to the preservation of traditions”.
Ms. Daniela Lizarzaburu Aguilar, Counsellor at the WIPO Academy, also welcomed the participants and highlighted that this project marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration:
“This initiative brought together 30 women artisans from across Ukraine. My sincere gratitude to Yuliya Prokhoda, who mentored the participants and guided them through the basics of IP. I also thank WIPO speakers Dina Wehbe, Nina Mehrez, Amani Qaddoumi, and Omer Hiziroglu, who contributed to the training course.
Special thanks go to Olena Orliuk, Director of the Ukrainian IP Office, and Olga Kulinich, Head of the IP Academy, for their leadership and continuous support for such unique initiatives. We hope this is just the beginning of a remarkable journey under the auspices of traditional craftsmanship”.
Olena Orliuk emphasized the importance of using IP tools to promote Ukrainian cultural heritage internationally:
“This project was initially sparked by a request from the State Agency for Arts in 2023 to provide IP consultations to artisans. After analyzing the request, the IP Office and the IP Academy recognized that the sector deserved far more than just consultations. This led to the idea – later supported by WIPO – of launching a full-scale initiative. The project was implemented in late 2024 and throughout 2025.
However, today’s event does not mark the end of UANIPIO’s efforts in this area – it’s just one of many steps forward. We will continue to act, discuss outcomes, and most importantly, provide practical steps and recommendations.
I am thrilled to see this initiative being implemented not only with WIPO, but also in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. This partnership is essential for further development and international promotion of traditional crafts.
I strongly believe that dozens, even hundreds, of our Geographical Indications should be protected across the EU and globally – not only for food or wine, but for crafts and artisanal traditions. From December 2025, the EU will begin registering such indications via EUIPO, with whom we have a strong partnership. Ukraine has much to be proud of and to offer at the European level, with our deep historical and cultural legacy and vibrant community of artisans”.
Anastasia Bondar, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for Digital Development, Transformations, and Digitalization, highlighted Ukraine’s progress in supporting and preserving crafts:
“Ukraine is not a laggard when it comes to preserving and developing traditional crafts. On the contrary, we are actively implementing modern tools, including those in the field of IP. Despite the war and its challenges, we hold the expertise and determination to match European standards and build our own expert voice”.
Anastasia Obraztsova, Head of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation (UCF), stressed that supporting artisans should be based on collaboration, not just regulation:
“Support for artisans is not about control – it’s about trust and partnership. Effective programs are only possible when the state, business, and creative communities engage in constructive dialogue. The state plays a key role in creating conditions for artisans to preserve traditions, unite, grow, and present their work on new platforms. This is not only a cultural issue – it’s about sustainable development in the creative economy”.
The discussion also touched on key challenges and opportunities presented by IP tools for the promotion of artisanal works. Participants explored international practices in GI registration and Ukraine’s path to implementing European standards in national legislation and enforcement. The session also covered cooperation in drafting product specifications for registering traditional crafts as GIs.
Practical guidance was presented by the Ukrainian IP Academy, based on findings from the project “The Role of Intellectual Property in Preserving Сultural Identity and Heritage”. The team presented the checklist “9 Steps to Scale Your Business”, which contains practical advice for artisans looking to grow their craft, preserve and promote traditional Ukrainian heritage.
The checklist offers insights on attracting buyers, diversifying distribution channels through partnerships, and boosting tourism and interest in the region’s cultural identity.
Checklist available here (in Ukrainian):
The “IP for Traditional Crafts” guide was also presented. It consists of 5 chapters and provides information on legal protection mechanisms, branding, marketing strategies, use of digital tools, and partnerships. It includes a survey on current business status and ideas for future growth.
Guide available here (in Ukrainian):
These tools – the guide and checklist – were developed as part of the project and introduced by Mariia Bychkovska, WIPO Academy project coordinator:
“During wartime, the demand to preserve our cultural code and crafts has increased dramatically. That’s why we developed this project to provide answers to artisans – on how to preserve and promote their heritage globally. We collected their questions, listened to their needs, and tried to respond”.
Olga Kulinich, Head of the IP Academy at the IP Office, shared key project outcomes:
“The most valuable result is that several participants filed trademark applications after the project. This shows they understood the importance of IP, branding, and expanding beyond local markets. I hope future project cycles will be equally successful”.
Patent attorney and mentor Yuliya Prokhoda shared her impressions:
“This course was a true pleasure. Although I’ve led many IP trainings, I’ve never had such a grateful audience. These artisans were not only curious but also clearly explained why their work is unique and deserves protection. They understand the value of IP and now they need simple tools to implement it”.
Craftswomen Iryna Halushchak (Irina Haluschak brand) and Anna Kryvoshei (Telatama creative workshop) shared their personal journeys. Iryna Halushchak spoke about the knowledge gaps she had before learning how to protect her art. More details about her brand are available in the presentation.
During a dedicated panel, the story of the iconic Krolevets Rushnyky (towel) – a symbol of Ukrainian textile heritage – was presented by:
Artisans also showcased authentic towels and conducted a masterclass.
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