Dr. Grigory Ivliev, President of the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO), and Ms. Olga Tereshchenko, Vice-Rector at the Russian State Academy of IP, discuss the transformative potential of a unitary Eurasian trademark system. This article explores the benefits of regional trademark protection and how it could simplify and enhance brand protection across the Eurasian region.
Trademark registration under national systems involves navigating diverse regulations, translating applications, and paying multiple fees. Similarly, the international system, while offering some simplifications, has its own limitations, such as requiring prior registration in the Office of Origin.
Regional systems provide a more flexible approach by offering unified protection across multiple countries. The European Community Trademark system serves as a successful example, reducing administrative burdens and harmonising fragmented examination processes.
Single Application Process: Applicants file one application in Russian, pay one set of fees, and secure protection across all participating states.
Unified Examination: Examiners from all member states collaborate to create a common examination space, ensuring consistency and quality.
Accessibility: This system would encourage applications from businesses hesitant to enter certain jurisdictions due to procedural complexities.
A unitary trademark system would streamline the process, making it cost-effective and efficient for applicants. It would also enhance market access and encourage regional economic growth by simplifying brand portfolio management.
Trademark activity in EAPC member states such as Kazakhstan, Russia, and Armenia demonstrates strong potential. A unified trademark system could unlock latent opportunities, benefiting from the region’s geographic and economic advantages.
Conclusion
The introduction of a unitary Eurasian trademark system offers a significant step forward in regional IP management. By simplifying procedures and fostering collaboration among member states, this system could become a game-changer for businesses seeking to protect their brands in the Eurasian market.
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