What is the customs register of intellectual property rights?
The customs register of intellectual property rights is maintained by the State Customs Service of Ukraine and contains information about intellectual property objects protected in Ukraine at the request of their rights holders.
The purpose of this register is to help customs authorities identify and prevent the import or export of goods that infringe intellectual property rights. When an IP object is recorded in the customs register, customs authorities may monitor shipments and take measures against suspected counterfeit goods.
Customs recordal is an effective tool for preventing the circulation of counterfeit products and protecting intellectual property rights at the border.
Which intellectual property rights can be recorded in the customs register?
In practice, the customs register may include intellectual property objects that can be clearly identified in goods during customs control, such as:
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trademarks applied to goods or packaging;
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industrial designs embodied in products;
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certain copyright-protected works incorporated into goods.
Some IP objects may be more difficult to record if the protected element cannot be easily identified during customs inspection.
Information required for customs recordal
To submit an application for recording intellectual property rights in the customs register, the following information is typically required:
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a document confirming the intellectual property rights (for example, a trademark certificate or patent);
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information about the rights holder and authorized representatives;
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detailed information about the original goods, including packaging, labeling, and distinguishing features;
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information about distribution channels and typical supply routes of the goods;
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available information about potential sources of counterfeit goods.
This information helps customs authorities identify infringing products during customs control.
Duration of customs recordal
Registration of intellectual property rights in the customs register is valid for one year and may be renewed upon the rights holder’s request.
Applications are usually reviewed within two to three months. The register itself is publicly accessible.
Our services in customs recordal of intellectual property rights
Our firm provides legal assistance in recording intellectual property rights in the customs register of Ukraine, including:
Preparation and filing of applications
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assessment of whether an IP object is suitable for customs recordal;
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preparation and submission of applications to the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
Application management
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communication with customs authorities during the review process;
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preparation of responses to requests from customs authorities.
Renewal of recordal
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preparation and submission of applications to extend customs recordal.
Appeals
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assistance in challenging unlawful refusals to record intellectual property rights in the customs register.
We assist rights holders in strengthening border protection against counterfeit goods and improving enforcement of intellectual property rights in Ukraine.