A delegation of the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) made from October 1 to 3, 2024, a study visit to the headquarters of the French National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in Paris, France. This visit is part of the actions carried out according to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between AGEPI and INPI in May of this year, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation and improving the intellectual property (IP) protection system.
The AGEPI delegation was made up of specialists in various fields, including trademarks, geographical indications and patents. During the visit, AGEPI representatives participated in working sessions with French experts who presented them the best practices and legislative innovations in the field of industrial property. These meetings represented an important opportunity for learning and information exchange, essential for adapting and modernizing AGEPI practices.
During the discussions, the delegation addressed various topics, including the trademark and patent examination process, the protection of geographical indications of non-agricultural products and patent protection issues in the context of the Nagoya Protocol. Current issues such as Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) and their impact on innovation and economic development were also discussed.
The representatives of AGEPI emphasized the importance of these exchanges of experience, which contribute not only to the development of the staff within the agency, but also to the alignment of practices in the Republic of Moldova with international standards. INPI experts shared valuable insights on how the French institution manages the complexities of intellectual property and the support tools it offers enterprises to explore the IP field.
The visit took place in a hybrid format, offering the possibility for AGEPI employees from Chisinau to connect online to the discussions. This allowed for wider participation, facilitating access to the exchange of information for all concerned ex officio.
The final evaluation session included discussions on recent European developments in the field of geographical indications, trademarks and patents. Opportunities for future cooperation were explored, including holding virtual meetings to continue dialogue and develop joint initiatives.
At the same time, during the visit, on October 2, a representative of AGEPI participated in the conference dedicated to the launch of the French-Speaking Intellectual Property Alliance. Just a few days before the Francophonie Summit, scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2024, with the theme “Creation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in French”, the main actors in the innovation ecosystems of the Francophone countries have formalized the constitution of this alliance. The conference, part of the Francophonie Festival, emphasized the dynamic, creative and open character of the global francophone.
