Over the past two years, the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovations (UANIPIO) has undergone constant updates, which have had a positive impact on the development of the IP system in Ukraine. The resumption of UANIPIO's Appeals Chamber is one of the paramount pieces of news in this context.
On June 18, 2024, the new personnel of the Appeals Chamber were approved by UANIPIO's Order No. 93/2024. This signals the start of renewed operations for the Appeals Chamber, which will serve as an additional tool for resolving IP disputes alongside the courts.
In Ukraine, the Appeals Chamber offers the following opportunities:
- filing appeals against the IP Office’s refusals for registration of trademarks, inventions, utility models, designs, etc.
- filing petitions for the total or partial invalidation of IP rights (‘post-grant oppositions’) with respect to inventions, utility models, or designs held by third parties
- filing appeals against the IP Office’s decisions on trademark registration by persons who have filed oppositions before
- filing applications for the recognition of trademarks as well-known in Ukraine
Furthermore, other benefits include the ability to consider appeals under a simplified procedure, the option of mediation at all stages of the appeal process, and the digitalization of interaction with the Appeals Chamber.
If you are aware of an invention, utility model, or design that does not comply with IP protection conditions but was registered in Ukraine contrary to this, or if you believe it is time for a trademark to be recognized as well-known, please contact us so that we can develop the best strategy for your specific case.
In the meantime, we will keep you informed about the latest updates, practices, and decisions made by the renewed Appeals Chamber in Ukraine.