Breaking: USPTO joins EPO in Russia rejection

The USPTO has terminated its co-operation with officials from the Russian intellectual property office Rospatent and the Eurasian Patent Organisation in reaction to the continuing invasion of Ukraine, it was announced today, March 4.

In a published statement, the office said: “Like so many, we are deeply saddened by the events unfolding in Ukraine. We hope for the restoration of peace and human dignity.”

The move comes after the US Commerce Department, which oversees the USPTO, announced on Wednesday, March 2, that its Bureau of Industry and Security had imposed stringent export controls on Belarus for enabling the Ukraine invasion.

Secretary of commerce Gina Raimondo said as part of the announcement: “The photos, videos, and reports coming out of Ukraine are heart wrenching – both due to the brutality of the Russian assault, and for the amazing resolve of the Ukrainian people.

“The commerce department will continue to lead strong, coordinated action with our global allies and partners to apply maximum pressure on Russia, its enabler Belarus, and any other parties that may seek to support them.”

The EPO suspended all co-operation with Rospatent, officially known as the Federal Service for Intellectual Property, and the EAPO, which is based in Moscow, on Tuesday, March 1.

The UKIPO announced at the same time that it would not provide services to those on the UK’s sanctions list.

UKIPO CEO Tim Moss said: “The UK government’s position is clear, and like everyone in the UK we are appalled by Russia’s despicable actions and stand unequivocally behind Ukraine and its people.

“The UK’s economic sanctions against Russia include IP, and we are enforcing these sanctions robustly.”