Ukraine’s Unique Experience in Protecting and Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights during Wartime by Antonina Pakharenko-Anderson

In the Women’s IP World Annual 2025, Antonina Pakharenko-Anderson, Managing Partner at Pakharenko and Partners, Ukraine, shares a powerful account of how the Ukrainian IP community has continued to safeguard intellectual property rights amid the ongoing war. Her insights reveal how robust IP systems can not only protect innovation but also support national economic recovery in times of crisis.

Adapting Under Extraordinary Circumstances

Despite the challenges of war, Ukraine’s IP sector remains operational and forward-looking. Pakharenko and Partners, alongside the broader professional community, is working to strengthen IP as a strategic tool to attract post-war investment and drive economic renewal. Ukraine’s EU candidate status, achieved in June 2022, has also accelerated alignment with European IP standards and reforms.

Evolving Trademark Rules

Trademarks continue to be a high-priority asset for businesses. Antonina outlines Ukraine’s updated rules for trademark applications and registration, effective September 2024, which modernise both national and international filing procedures. The law now accommodates an extensive range of marks, including sound, motion, holographic, and multimedia marks, reflecting global trends in brand protection. Digital-First IP Administration

Electronic document management has become the standard in Ukraine, with official trademark certificates issued digitally. This shift to paperless operations improves efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for trademark owners, who can still request paper copies if desired.

The Human Element of IP Services

Pakharenko and Partners attributes its resilience to the adaptability, critical thinking, and shared values of its team. In times of instability, these traits, along with continuous professional development and innovative digital tools, enable the firm to meet client needs, maintain service quality, and remain competitive.

Conclusion

Ukraine’s experience demonstrates that even under extraordinary pressure, a committed professional community can sustain IP protection and adapt to evolving legal landscapes. Antonina’s perspective offers both inspiration and a practical blueprint for how law firms can navigate adversity without losing sight of long-term strategic goals.

Read the full article in Women’s IP World Annual 2025, essential reading for IP professionals, policymakers, and legal strategists seeking to understand how intellectual property can be safeguarded and strengthened, even under the most challenging circumstances.

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