On March 22, 2017, it took place the official launch of the Project “Support to Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights” in the Republic of Moldova (EuropeAid/137467/DH/SER/MD), implemented by the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI). The project has for a general object the efficient implementation and application of intellectual property rights in the Republic of Moldova.

The event was attended by the Deputy Secretary General of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, representative of the EU Delegation ton Chisinau, representatives of the beneficiary institutions of the project, judiciary system, research and development institutions, civil society. Also present were the Hungarian Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Mátyás Szilágyi, and the Italian Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Valeria Biagiotti.

Opening the Conference, AGEPI Director General, Octavian Apostol, said that this project will contribute both to streamline interaction of authorities for the protection of intellectual property rights and improve the business environment, to discipline the economic agents and consumers, and improve the investment image of the Republic of Moldova. “AGEPI, as the beneficiary body, will make every effort to achieve the success of these ambitious goals”, said Octavian Apostol.

Mindaugas Kacerauskis, Charge D’affaires of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova, said that the project is intended for institutions that are directly related to implementation of Chapter 9 of the Association Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union, referring to the field of intellectual property. “Exchange of information between institutions is a key factor of this project”, said Mindaugas Kacerauskis.

Valentin Guznac, Deputy Secretary General of the Moldovan Government said that the implementation of the project will contribute to improving the legislative framework in the field of intellectual property, will strengthen communication and exchange of information between institutions with responsibilities in the field and will develop the system of protection and use of geographical indications in the Republic of Moldova. “Given that the objective of the project is an exhaustive coverage of the entire intellectual property system, for its realization we are willing to contribute, upon request, by providing the necessary support to achieve a greater impact of the AGEPI activities and a high level of EU experts’ recommendations”, said Valentin Guznac.

The project manager on the part of the Consortium, Archidea Srl, leader Andreea Comsa, said that the project has a very important goal in terms of improving the legal framework in the field of intellectual property. “I want to assure you both on the part of the Consortium and the project team that we’ll make every effort in order that this project successfully achieves its objectives”, concluded Andreea Comsa.

Further, international experts, Ioannis Sidiropoulos and Yuriy Kapitsa, made a presentation of the project, focusing on the key components and activities designed to help achieve its specific objectives.

The Technical Assistance Project “Support to Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights” in the Republic of Moldova is financed by the European Union, being implemented by a Consortium formed of companies Archidea Srl (Italy), European Profiles S.A. (Greece) and Business and Strategies in Europe S.A. (Belgium), with a duration of two years and will be completed in November 2018.

The project is structured into six components which relate to three key areas: achieving the cultural change program in the field of intellectual property, developing an information system to facilitate the exchange of information between authorities competent of implementation of the intellectual property legislation and development of geographical indications system.

Project beneficiary is the State Agency on Intellectual Property, with the partners co-beneficiaries Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Prosecutor’s Office, Customs Service and Consumer Protection Agency. At the same time, project activities are aimed at all stakeholders, including the governmental and nongovernmental organizations, judiciary system, research and development institutions, entrepreneurial sector and civil society.