PRISTINA, KOSOVO - SD PETOSEVIC learned that some of the final steps to the long anticipated opening of the independent Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Kosovo have been taken.

Directives relating to the operation of the IPO have been signed on September 17, 2007 as the Minister of Trade and Industry of Kosovo signed a number of Administrative Directives concerning the operation of the Kosovo IPO.

Intellectual Property Rights valid in the Former FRY (Serbia being the successor State) can be revalidated in Kosovo, maintaining their priority dates, provided applications are filed within 12 months from the date when the Directive enters into force.

Applications for revalidation must be accompanied by proof of rights in Serbia and an administrative fee. The relevant fees have not yet been published.

Technically, the Directive came into force on October 1, 2007. However, in practical terms, it will not be possible for applications for re-validations to be filed until the Ministry issues licenses to those individuals who will be authorized to represent before the IPO.

Licenses to represent before the IPO have not yet been issued but the exam for obtaining the license to practice before the IPO is currently underway.

The licenses are being issued in the manner set out in the Administrative Directive on the Representation of Industrial Property Rights AD 2007/11, which requires that such individuals or entities be residents of Kosovo and have the requisite level of education. It is expected that licenses could be confirmed as early as this week.

SD PETOSEVIC provides a full range of Intellectual Property services in Eastern Europe, including the Balkans and the Commonwealth of Independent States (former USSR).

Source: ag-IP news