Victor Lisovenko is an intellectual property attorney, registered to practice before the Eurasian patent office with main focus on patent law. With more than 18 years of experience in the IP field his practice includes patent strategy development, drafting and prosecution, appeals and oppositions, patent litigation, opinion and advisory work. Victor's clients are domestic and foreign companies and start-ups in various industries and technology areas, mainly including chemical, bio and pharma sectors.
In this exclusive interview for the Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards 2024, we speak with Victor Lisovenko, a leading expert in intellectual property law. As the Eurasian market continues to expand, Victor shares his insights on the vital role of patent protection and the streamlined processes offered by the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO). He highlights how proactive IP management can help companies safeguard their investments and maintain a competitive edge in rapidly evolving sectors.
Why should innovative companies consider patent protection in the Eurasian market?
This year marks the 30th anniversary of signing the Eurasian Patent Convention establishing the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO). Since 1994 the Eurasian market-covering Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan-has grown exponentially reaching a combined GDP of more than $3.5 trillion due to ongoing economic integration processes between the countries. By securing intellectual property rights here, companies can tap into significant growth opportunities while minimizing the risks of unauthorized use or counterfeiting.
How does the Eurasian Patent System simplify the IP protection process for companies?
The EAPO offers a streamlined, validation-fee, single-language process for patent and design protection across all eight member states, requiring only one application. With a grant approval rate of up to 95%-especially when handled by professional Eurasian patent attorneys-it saves companies time, resources, and translation costs. The unified examination process ensures strong protection for patents and industrial designs, and plans are underway to extend this to trademarks in the future.
What makes IP protection in this region essential for global players?
Innovation is the driving force behind many industries, and without strong IP protection, companies risk losing their competitive edge. The Eurasian market sectors such as oil/gas, pharma, car manufacturing, telecom, IT, urban engineering and infrastructure, agriculture and foodstuff are booming, and its regulatory environment is increasingly supportive of the IP enforcement. The IP protection in the Eurasian market is also important in terms of sanctions and parallel import constrains. By protecting patents and designs here, companies can safeguard their investments and ensure long-term commercial success.
What is your key advice to companies entering the Eurasian market?
For companies with business interests in the Eurasian region, opting for Eurasian patent protection often offers greater commercial advantages than obtaining individual national patents. Being proactive is essential-securing your intellectual property early helps prevent potential disputes and strengthens your competitive position in the fast-evolving Eurasian market.
