In its annual report for the development of Kosovo (Kosovo under UNSCR 1244, 2006 Progress report) the European Commission concluded that protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property in Kosovo is insufficient. “The area has not yet been given appropriate administrative and political attention. Intellectual property rights are infringed upon in Kosovo in a widespread and visible way. Counterfeit consumer goods (CDs, DVDs, software and clothing) are available for sale and traded openly”. The main inferences were that it is necessary to undertake steps both in terms of legislation and capacity building as well as in terms of enforcement mechanisms. The period covered by this report is 1 October 2005 to 30 September 2006.
Based on the analysis contained in the Report and taking into consideration the necessity of further development of the field of intellectual property in Kosovo, the European Commission Liaison Office in Pristina, Kosovo- UNMIK (United Nations Interim Administrative Mission in Kosovo) published a procurement notice for contract of assistance for the Patent Office of Kosovo.
The contract will provide assistance to the Kosovo Patent Office within the Ministry of Trade and Industry and work with related organizations. The main activities will include:
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Development of the capacity of Kosovo Industrial Property office
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Assistance in the development of legal framework for the regulation of IPR
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Development of the system for enforcement of IPR
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The maximum budget for this purpose is 1,000,000.00 euro
