The meeting, which took place on July 9, 2025 at the headquarters of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, was a continuation of the partnership that has been actively developing following the study visit of representatives from the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and UANIPIO to Munich in May 2025, supported by GIZ.

 

During the working meeting the main focus of the Ukrainian delegation with the management of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) was on the exchange of experience in the digitalization of services, the development of expertise, as well as the coordination of positions regarding the priorities of reforming Ukraine`s IP system in accordance with best practices and EU law.

 

The DPMA delegation included:

 

• Eva Schewior, President of DPMA;

 

• Dr. Maria Skottke Klein, Vice-President;

 

• Dr. Volker Rüger, Head of the International Affairs;

 

• Selim Bilgi, Deputy Head of the International Affairs.

 

The Ukrainian delegation was represented by:

 

• Oleksandr Tsybort, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformations, and Digitalization;

 

• Alina Podolieva, Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine;

 

• Olena Orliuk, Director of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovation (UANIPIO/IP Office);

 

• Bogdan Paduchak, First Deputy Director of UANIPIO;

 

• Vladyslav Bilotskyi, Deputy Director of UANIPIO.

 

This is the first official meeting between the management of the Ukrainian and German IP offices.

 

Focus on digitalization and reforms

 

The participants discussed the DPMA`s experience in the implementation of digital services, the use of AI in IP office processes and new approaches to the application examination.

 

The Ukrainian delegation, led by Oleksandr Tsybort, informed German counterparts about the implementation of e-governmental platforms (in particular, “ePermit”), Ukraine`s efforts toward digital transformation of the IP system and the Government`s plans to finalize the National IP Strategy developed jointly with WIPO and partners.

 

“The Ukrainian IP office continues to modernize its services, support Ukrainian creators and inventors even in wartime conditions. Our goal is to harmonize Ukraine’s IP system with EU law. We are interested in continuing cooperation with DPMA: both in technical partnership and in staff training. The German Patent and Trade Mark Office is a model of how digital tools can enhance IP efficiency and make it more accessible for businesses and inventors”, said Olena Orliuk following the meeting.

 

The Director of the IP office also expressed hope that Ukrainian SMEs and innovators would receive greater support in the EU, especially through such programs as the SME Fund.

 

“Ukraine is actively working to become a full-fledged member of the European Union as soon as possible, therefore, aligning Ukrainian legislation with the EU acquis is our absolute priority. This especially concerns the areas of copyright and related rights, trademarks, inventions and utility models, industrial designs, trade secrets, and the protection of IP rights. We welcome the opportunity to exchange experience with DPMA and will be grateful for expert support in further improving our national IP system”, emphasized Bogdan Paduchak.

 

“The visit of the UANIPIO delegation to DPMA in May provided valuable insights into modern practices of IP rights protection and enforcement, including effective tools for combating piracy. This experience is already being applied in the ongoing work of the Ukrainian IP office”, added Vladyslav Bilotskyi.

 

Appreciation for Germany’s principled position

 

The Ukrainian delegation expressed sincere appreciation to DPMA and the Government of Germany for their clear and principled support of Ukraine in response to russia`s aggression, including the suspension of bilateral cooperation with rospatent and public statements affirming support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This decision plays a crucial role in shaping a unified legal position in the global IP system.

 

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