On Friday, Ukrpatent posted a letter of support that it received from the Estonian Patent Office.  In the letter, Director General Margus Viher begins by "express[ing] our strong solidarity with the Ukrainian people and particularly with our colleagues and their families in the Ukrainian Intellectual Property Institute," and declaring that "[w]e stand together with the international community in support of Ukraine and its people."  Stating that "[d]uring the past weeks, we have witnessed Ukraine and its people being subject to Russian Federation's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal military aggression against your nation, causing loss of life and suffering," the Director General notes that the Estonian Patent Office "is prepared to contribute in support of Ukraine in IP area on EU and international level."  The letter concludes that "[w]e sincerely hope that these unjustified military actions by Russia, grossly violating not only international law but the principles of humanity itself, that are unimaginable in our times, will be stopped," noting that the Estonian Patent Office "align[s] our positions with EU in demanding that Russia immediately ceases its military actions, unconditionally withdraws all forces and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine and fully respects Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognised borders," and closing with the message: "Слава Україні!" (Glory to Ukraine!).

Ukrpatent also posted a letter of support that it received from the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (Sakpatenti).  In the letter, Acting Chairperson Manana Pruidze writes to "express solidarity with Ukraine," stating that Sakpatenti "strongly condemn[s] an act of aggression on the part of Russian Federation" and is "outraged by the ongoing military actions and send[s] wholehearted thoughts . . . to Ukrpatent colleagues and fellow Ukrainians at these terrible and frightening time."  After offering Sakpatenti's "condolences to the families of victims and a swift recovery to those injured," Acting Chairperson Pruidze declares that:

Russia's actions are an immediate danger to those living in Ukraine, but also pose a real threat to democracy throughout the world.  Please be informed that over the years our office is not engaging in any activity or communication with Russian IP delegation or representatives.

Acting Chairperson Pruidze also notes that Sakpatenti staff are making voluntary contributions to Georgian Government aid campaigns for Ukraine, and concludes by stating "[w]e hope to have peace in the region, as it is the only solid ground for the existence and sustainable development, innovation and prosperity within the EU neighbourhood and in Europe as a whole."

For additional information regarding this and other related topics, please see:

• "Several Law Firms Close Russian Offices," March 13, 2022
• "Russia Permits Uncompensated Use of Certain Patents without Patentee Consent," March 11, 2022
• "Lithuanian Patent Office and EUIPO Join Other Patent Offices in Expressing Support for Ukraine," March 10, 2022
• "USPTO Terminates PPH with Rospatent and Terminates Engagement with NCIP," March 10, 2022
• " Life Sciences Business Leaders Call for Immediate and Complete Economic Disengagement from Russia," March 9, 2022
• "PRH Joins Other Patent Offices in Expressing Support for Ukraine," March 9, 2022
• "USPTO Terminates Engagement with Rospatent and EAPO," March 7, 2022
• "Ukrpatent Continues Normal Operations Despite Russian Aggression," March 6, 2022