Ganna Prokhorova and Oleksandr Mamunya of Mamunya IP have published a newsletter explaining how the war in Ukraine has affected activities at the Ukrainian Patent and Trademark Office (UAPTO), Customs service and the courts.
Impact on deadlines and IP Office activities
Deadlines for office proceedings, renewals and reinstatement are currently suspended because of a martial law which became effective on April 13, according to Prokhorova and Mamunya. They added: "[I]f paying a retention/annuity fees is due during the martial law, it will be allowed to pay those within 90 days after the end of the martial law."
Impact on IP disputes and enforcement
Civil and commercial cases and access to the court's online systems remain suspended. Parties to .ua domain name disputes are advised to contact the WIPO Artbitration and Mediation Centre if they are unable to meet deadlines.
The Customs service is operating "without any limitations" but confiscated goods will be used to support the military and civilians. Government ministers can now decide which goods to prioritise for customs checks and "the terms of registration of IPRs in the Customs IP Registry are extended automatically".