Enhancing Intellectual Property Rights Competence and Cooperation in Russia (St. Petersburg), Finland, Denmark and Sweden

The prevailing problem in the Russian Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) system is an inefficient enforcement of laws and increasing counterfeit problems.

This project aims at increasing cooperation between key IPR actors within the city of SPb and between partner regions through practical joint activities. Collaboration between all key IPR actors in SPb will create a sustainable framework for IPR and enhance the development of an efficient regional IPR system in SPb. The project will increase capacities of local IPR actors in developing IPR protection system, enforcement practices, IPR utilisation, IPR education and related information distribution. Active collaboration between authorities, universities and business as well as strong international networking, are essential elements of the solid performance of IPR system.

The project is based on the outcomes of on-going Nordic-Russian cooperation, started in the framework of a project “Promoting Intellectual Property Protection and Related Awareness Raising in SPb - Joint Cooperation Project between Finland, Denmark and the City of St. Petersburg, Russia” (2005–2006). Main outputs of the project were a thorough study on the state of the art of the IPR system in SPb, seminars and joint meetings on the most actual topics on IPR, as well as establishment of an IPR network involving key IPR actors in SPb.

The project is co-financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers and Ministry of Employment and the Economy of Finland. The Baltic Institute of Finland is responsible for overall coordination of the project, and local coordination is provided by the Committee on Economic Development, Industrial Policy and Trade of the City of St. Petersburg.