“On June 25, 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/1745 of the Council came into force, amending Regulation (EU) 833/2014, and together with Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1744, it has shaped the 14th European Union (EU) sanctions package against Russia due to its actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine.
These sanctions impose restrictions on many Intellectual Property rights filed or co-filed by Russian nationals or individuals residing in Russia, as well as by legal entities, organisations, or entities based in Russia.
“In particular, the Industrial Property Offices and other competent authorities of the member states or the EU should, as of June 25, 2024, not allow the submission of new patent, industrial design, utility model, trademark, protected designation of origin, and geographical indication registration applications, as well as any related requests or observations from the aforementioned categories of persons.”
At the same time, Member States and the EU must make every effort to ensure that the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) enforce these sanctions. The EPO will initially implement this restriction only regarding the unitary effect of European patents, i.e., the Unitary Patents.
Clarifying information regarding the implementation of these sanctions by the European Commission is expected.
The Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation is responsible for overseeing the implementation of these measures starting from June 25, 2024.”
