Ministry: Montenegro remains committed to promoting and protecting intellectual property rights

Montenegro remains committed to the promotion and protection of intellectual property rights, the Ministry of Economic Development announced.

The department said that today marks World Intellectual Property Day, which, thanks to numerous international agreements, both historical and contemporary, has become a global phenomenon with a global impact.

"The history of intellectual property in Montenegro is enviable and long, especially considering that Montenegro joined the famous Paris and Berne Conventions at the end of the 19th century, and there are 31 international agreements in force in this area," the statement said.

Today, as they state, intellectual property law in Montenegro is fully harmonized with European Union (EU) law.

"The results we are achieving, in cooperation with other institutions, give us the right to believe that the system of protection of intellectual property rights in Montenegro is set on sustainable foundations," the Ministry said.

The commitment of institutions to the development and further improvement of the intellectual property rights protection system in Montenegro has been clearly recognized by the European Commission (EC), so Chapter 7 - Intellectual Property Rights was temporarily closed in December 2024.

Also, in the EC report for last year, this chapter was given the best rating, noting that Montenegro has made very good progress in this area.

"In terms of international cooperation in the field of intellectual property, Montenegro cooperates with many relevant international institutions, both European and global," the statement added.

In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development, the European Patent Organization (EPO) and the Science and Technology Park (STP) of Montenegro, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the intellectual property system and empower the domestic innovation ecosystem, the first PATLIB center in Montenegro - IP4Innovation - was officially opened on December 1 last year.

"In line with new trends, the successful future and social growth and development of every country, and therefore Montenegro, is based on a knowledge economy that depends on intellectual potential and is based on intellectual property rights," the Ministry said.

In addition to encompassing various forms of original creations, whether those we buy, use, or sell, it is also an important component of all economic activities that are based on innovation.

This year's World Intellectual Property Day is dedicated to intellectual property in the field of sports, because sport is not just a competition.

"It is an industry that is constantly evolving, creating numerous opportunities for people, and it is important to know how to protect, manage and develop the numerous legal resources that are now part of sport," the Ministry said.

For athletes who are always pushing the boundaries of their performance, but also for fans, intellectual property guarantees the protection of brand, identity, and new ideas.

"Montenegro remains committed to the promotion and protection of intellectual property rights, and on the occasion of Intellectual Property Day, Open Days will be held at the premises of the Directorate for Intellectual Property on Wednesday, which is an opportunity to introduce the general public to key aspects of the protection of intellectual property rights," the statement concludes.