CURRENT PROJECTS

  • Annual IP Moot Court Competition
  • WIPO Technology & Innovation Support Center (TISC program)
  • WIPO Intellectual Property Training Institution (IPTI) program in Armenia

IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS

  • Conferences devoted to the World IP Day
  • Annual Report on the State of IP System in Armenia
  • International IP Conferences
  • IP Seminars, workshops, round table discussions
  • Regional IP Summer Academies
  • IP Policy Dialogues

Annual IP Moot Court Competition

The IP Moot Court is one of the most popular, nationally recognized and prestigious IP competitions in Armenia, in which law students have many opportunities to participate throughout their entire law school careers. Annually, the event draws together a wide range of IP lawyers from both private and public sectors. Partners and senior associates from private law firms, representatives from the Armenian Intellectual Property Offie, Armauthor Authors Collective Management Organizations, as well as Armenian judges and justices serve as volunteer judges for the IP Moot Court.

The IP Moot court emulates the experience of what it is like to argue a case before a court or arbitration. Students conduct legal research, write complaints and responses, as well as complete oral arguments in front of a panel of arbitrators (judges). It is a great way for all law students from all Armenian law schools to experience what IP arbitration (litigation) is like, as well as an opportunity for them to develop and sharpen their research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.

The competition was the initiative of Mr. Sarkis Knyazyan, the former chairman of the IPRC Board of Trustees and the co-founder of Arluys IP Law Group. Mr. Knyazyan has also authored the rules of the Moot Court, the vast majority of cases (the problems), and was a presiding judge of the final rounds, for many years. The first IP Moot Court was held in 2011.

WIPO Technology & Innovation Support Center (TISC program)

The WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) program provides innovators in developing countries with access to locally based, high quality technology information and related services, helping them to exploit their innovative potential and to create, protect, and manage their intellectual property (IP) rights. Services offered by TISCs include access to online patent and scientific technical resources, IP-related publications; assistance in searching and retrieving technology information; training in database search; on-demand searches (novelty, state-of-the-art and infringement); monitoring technology and competitors; basic information on industrial property laws, management and strategy, and technology commercialization and marketing.

The Intellectual Property Rights Center foundation, represented by Mr. Sarkis Knyazyan, the Member of IPRC Board, is the national focal point for WIPO's TISC program in Armenia.

WIPO Intellectual Property Training Institution (IPTI) program in Armenia

The WIPO Academy helps member states set up Intellectual Property Training Institutions (IPTIs), to meet their local intellectual property (IP) training and skills-building needs in a scalable and cost-effective way. The IPTIs first launched in 2010 after a recommendation from the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP). Since then, this tailor-made sustainable model of capacity building is one of WIPO’s most in-demand services.

By the initiative of Mr. Sarkis Knyazyan, the IPRC Board Member, the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Armenian IP Office (AIPO) of the Ministry of Economy began negotiations over establishment of an Intellectual Property Training Institution (IPTI) in Armenia. The IPTI will be Armenia's self-sustaining training hub for IP aiming to deliver IP courses alined with the needs of various private and public institutions.

IPRC was selected to implement WIPO's Intellectual Property Training Institution program in Armenia.

Conferences devoted to the World IP Day

World Intellectual Property Day is celebrated annually on April 26. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to raise public awareness on how intellectual property impacts our daily life and to celebrate creativity, as well as contributions of all creators and innovators to the development of economies and societies across the globe. April 26 was chosen as the date for World Intellectual Property Day because it coincides with the date on which the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force in 1970. World Intellectual Property Day is WIPO’s largest intellectual property (IP) public outreach campaign.

IPRC implemented a number of conferences and various other events devoted to the World IP Day.

Annual Report on the State of IP System in Armenia

With funding from the UK Government’s Department for International Trade and support from the British Embassy Yerevan, in January 2020, IPRC initiated a special research project to assess the level of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) in Armenia, resulting in an annual report on the State of IP System in Armenia. The report describes the current state of IP system in Armenia and details recommendations for the Armenian Government to improve the IP System in Armenia. 

The co-authors of the report are Mr. Khachatur Papanyan, the Chairman of IPRC Board, and Mr. Sarkis Knyazyan, the Member of IPRC Board. 

International IP Conferences

IPRC, a leading advocate for intellectual property rights in Armenia, held a series of successful international conferences dedicated to the field of intellectual property. 

Over the past decade, IPRC has been at the forefront of fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and thought leadership in the Armenian IP community. IPRC's commitment to promoting and protecting intellectual property rights was evident in the outstanding caliber of its international IP conferences. By bringing together experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts from more than 15 Eurasian countries, IPRC's conferences facilitated impactful discussions, unveiled emerging trends, and addressed pressing challenges facing the IP landscape. 

The International Intellectual Property Conference series, organized by IPRC, has become a premier platform for sharing best practices, and exploring the frontiers of IP law. Each conference has attracted an increasing number of attendees, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event for professionals in the field. Participants at these conferences had the opportunity to engage in interactive panel discussions and workshops, gaining practical knowledge and strategies to navigate complex IP issues. 

The diverse range of topics covered included trademark enforcement, copyright protection, IP licensing, and the impact of artificial intelligence on intellectual property. Moreover, the conferences served as a hub for networking and collaboration, allowing attendees to forge connections with industry peers, legal professionals, policy-makers, and influential stakeholders. 

IPRC's dedication to excellence in conference organization has been widely acknowledged, with participants consistently praising the exceptional quality of the events. IPRC's meticulous attention to details, well-curated programs, and commitment to inclusivity have made each conference a resounding success, leaving participants inspired, informed, and eager for future editions. 

By facilitating knowledge sharing, promoting collaboration, and shaping IP policy, IPRC strives to create a thriving environment that nurtures innovation and safeguards the rights of creators and inventors worldwide.

IP Seminars, workshops, round table discussions

Throughout past decade IPRC held dozens of highly successful series of seminars, workshops, and round table discussions aimed at promoting awareness, knowledge, and innovation in the field of intellectual property. This comprehensive initiative provided students, practitioners, entrepreneurs, representatives of creative industries and scientific community with valuable insights into the intricacies of IP law and their impact on various industries. 

IPRC hosted a diverse range of events, each tailored to address specific aspects of intellectual property, its protection and enforcement. The series featured engaging seminars, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking round table discussions that attracted a wide audience of legal experts, industry leaders, policy makers and creators. The workshops held as part of the series provided attendees with practical guidance and hands-on experience in securing, managing, and enforcing IP assets. These interactive sessions facilitated discussions on topics such as IP filing and prosecution, licensing, as well as challenges posed by digital content in the modern era. Participants were able to gain practical skills and develop strategies to navigate the complex world of IP rights effectively. 

Complementing the seminars and workshops, the round table discussions fostered lively and collaborative exchanges among experts and professionals. These sessions provided a platform for in-depth conversations on pertinent IP-related issues, such as the role of IP in innovation and knowledge economy, the balance between IP protection and open access, and the implications of global harmonization of intellectual property laws. The events also served as catalysts for innovation and highlighted the significance of intellectual property in driving economic growth, technological advancements, and creative endeavors. 

IPRC's commitment to promoting awareness and knowledge in the field of IP has garnered praise from participants and industry professionals alike. The seminars, workshops, and round table discussions have been hailed as valuable opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and forging collaborations across industries and sectors.  

As IPRC looks to the future, plans are already underway to continue the series and expand its reach to a wider audience. The organization remains dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of intellectual property rights effectively. 

Regional IP Summer Academies

IPRC held several regional IP Summer Academies in collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce School of Law, the American University of Armenia, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the US Embassy in Armenia and the Commercial Law Development Program of the US Department of Commerce. 

The IP Summer Academies brought together a cohort of passionate individuals from diverse educational institutions and backgrounds. The academies provided a unique opportunity for students and young professionals to delve into the intricacies of IP, understand its significance in various industries, and explore the legal and business aspects of intellectual property.  

Throughout the program, participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster a multidimensional understanding of intellectual property. Renowned IP professors from the Franklin Pierce Law School and the American University of Armenia facilitated interactive lectures, workshops, and case studies, offering invaluable insights into patents, copyright, trademarks, designs, and IP licensing.  

Participants had the privilege of engaging with accomplished professionals, IP practitioners, and thought leaders, fostering meaningful connections and expanding their professional networks.  

IPRC is committed to building on the success of the Intellectual Property Summer Academies and plans to continue offering similar programs to nurture and empower the next generation of IP professionals. By providing a platform for immersive learning, practical application, and networking opportunities, the organization aims to shape the future of intellectual property and contribute to the country's economic growth and protection of innovation.

IP Policy Dialogues

IPRC as a prominent advocate for IP protection and efficient enforcement, has successfully conducted a series of policy dialogues with state authorities, focusing on strengthening IP enforcement, combating piracy, and addressing the challenges posed by counterfeiting. These dialogues served as a crucial platform for collaborative discussions, knowledge sharing, and policy formulation to safeguard innovation and foster economic growth. 

Recognizing the importance of effective IP enforcement, IPRC initiated the policy dialogues to engage state authorities, law enforcement agencies, and relevant stakeholders in constructive conversations. The dialogues aimed to enhance understanding, identify gaps in existing frameworks, and propose strategies to combat piracy and counterfeiting. Through these dialogues, government officials collaborated with IP practitioners, industry leaders, and intellectual property rights holders. The dialogues centered around various key topics, including the impact of piracy and counterfeiting on industries, the role of legislation and enforcement agencies, international cooperation in IP enforcement, and the use of technology for anti-counterfeiting measures. The discussions facilitated an exchange of perspectives, enabling participants to gain insights into the challenges faced by IP rights holders and explore collaborative solutions. 

Throughout the series of policy dialogues, IPRC emphasized the need for robust legal frameworks, effective enforcement mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns to combat piracy and counterfeiting. IPRC has also emphasized the detrimental impact of these illicit activities on legitimate businesses, consumer safety, and economic development. 

The dialogues were praised for their inclusive and collaborative nature, creating a platform for fruitful discussions and actionable outcomes. 

Looking ahead, IPRC plans to build upon the momentum generated by the policy dialogues by advocating for the implementation of recommendations and collaborating with state authorities to strengthen IP protection and enforcement further. IPRC remains committed to safeguarding innovation, protecting intellectual property rights, and fostering an environment that nurtures creativity and economic growth.