The European Union, through EUIPO and the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), has launched a regional initiative aimed at strengthening intellectual property (IP) systems in the Western Balkans and further aligning them with the EU acquis.
The initiative focuses on enhancing institutional and enforcement capacities, modernizing IP offices, and improving digital tools and services for the protection and administration of intellectual property rights, with particular emphasis on SMEs, young innovators, and the technology sector.
For IT companies, startups, and technology-driven businesses, the initiative is particularly relevant as it supports the development of more harmonized and predictable IP frameworks, strengthening the protection of software, digital products, and other intangible assets across regional and EU markets.
The program is jointly funded by the European Commission and EUIPO and will be implemented over a three-year period with the involvement of national IP offices and relevant stakeholders. It aims to improve efficiency, legal certainty, and cross-border cooperation in IP protection.
By promoting greater consistency in IP rules and practices, the initiative is expected to support regional integration, facilitate trade, and create a more favorable environment for innovation-driven businesses.
The information contained in this document does not constitute legal advice regarding any specific matter and is provided for general informational purposes only.
