Moldova and Austria Enhance Intellectual Property Collaboration During WIPO Assemblies in Geneva

At the 68th series of meetings of the Assemblies of Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) held in Geneva, a significant bilateral meeting took place between Moldova’s State Agency for Intellectual Property (AGEPI) and the Austrian Patent Office. This high-level dialogue aimed to reinforce the longstanding cooperation between the two institutions in the field of intellectual property.

Julian E. Jorga, Director of AGEPI, opened the meeting by expressing gratitude for Austria’s continued support in Moldova’s institutional development and modernization efforts. He specifically acknowledged the Austrian Development Agency’s vital role in strengthening the capacity of Moldovan public authorities through development projects critical to the country’s European integration path.

The discussion revisited the cooperative relationship dating back to 1997, when AGEPI and the Austrian Patent Office signed a Cooperation Agreement. This agreement established a framework for bilateral collaboration, particularly in patent matters. Under this arrangement, the Austrian Patent Office conducts prior art searches upon request for patent applications filed in Moldova, thereby enhancing the national patent protection system and bolstering the expert capabilities of both offices.

Representatives from both agencies exchanged updates on recent developments within their respective intellectual property systems. They focused on institutional priorities such as the digital transformation of IP services, improving the quality and efficiency of patent examination processes, and developing innovative tools to support inventors and increase the value of intellectual property assets.

Director Jorga expressed interest in adopting Austrian best practices, especially in patenting procedures and programs designed to stimulate innovation. He highlighted the importance of supporting businesses and research institutions in protecting and leveraging intellectual property rights effectively.

Dr. Stefan Harasek, President of the Austrian Patent Office, affirmed his agency’s commitment to deepening professional dialogue and expanding cooperation with AGEPI. He emphasized openness to exchanging expertise and collaborating on joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

Both parties agreed that enhancing bilateral cooperation would yield benefits for their organizations and the broader communities of innovators, researchers, and businesses in Moldova and Austria. To solidify this commitment, they expressed intent to formalize their collaboration through an inter-agency Memorandum of Cooperation. This memorandum will provide a legal framework to expand joint projects and further develop intellectual property systems.

The meeting underscored the agencies’ dedication to fostering active institutional dialogue and leveraging bilateral cooperation opportunities. Their joint efforts aim to support the advancement of modern, effective intellectual property protection frameworks that facilitate innovation and economic growth in both countries.