President Stevo Pendarovski addressed today the event marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the State Industrial Property Office.
Respected Director of the State Office,
Respected Ministers,
Dear guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am especially honored and grateful for the opportunity to address you on the occasion of the commemoration of this truly significant anniversary, 30 years since the establishment of the State Industrial Property Office of the Republic of North Macedonia.
In the past three decades, the State Office has been the main bearer of the protection of intellectual property rights, and from that aspect, through the realization of its mission, it is an example of professional behavior. Of course, the activities of the institution are coordinated with other competent authorities that are part of the overall system for protection of intellectual property rights, and this close cooperation is of particular importance.
Ladies and gentlemen,
For an effective fight against counterfeiting and piracy and in general, for building a system in which intellectual property rights will be implemented, the existence of an appropriate legal platform and strong institutions is necessary. Therefore, as a state, we must make continuous efforts to strengthen the State Office for Industrial Property, as well as other institutions that are part of the system for protection of intellectual property rights.
In the context of the above, we should also stress the importance of harmonizing the Macedonian legislation with the legislation of the European Union in the field of industrial property, which is one of the priorities for accessing the institutions of this organization. Without a doubt, it will be an additional stimulus for the activities of the entire business community, and it will enable creators, innovators and companies, in accordance with the standards of the European Union, to be competitive in the EU market and, more broadly, in the global markets.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased with the presence at today’s ceremony of the representatives of the World Intellectual Property Organization, the European Patent Office, the European Intellectual Property Office, as well as representatives of the intellectual property offices of the countries of the region. I wish everyone a sincere welcome to Skopje and I use this opportunity to express my support for the need for close cooperation and exchange of knowledge, information and positive practice in all areas of mutual interest for the countries in the region.
With this message, I would like to end my speech today by renewing my congratulations on the great jubilee of the State Industrial Property Office and by wishing you even greater achievements and successes in the future.
Thank you.
