We condemn the aggression of the Russian Federation against our country and as the Armed Forces of Ukraine defend the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, Ukrpatent, for its part, does everything to protect the country in the field of intellectual property being a competitive institution for the world.

We are grateful to the World Intellectual Property Organization, European Patent Office, EU Intellectual Property Office, all the patent offices of the world as well as people who are not indifferent and express support for our country, in particular, for Ukrpatent, confirming the high level of trust and partnership with the state enterprise and its staff.

We believe in a bright, free and peaceful future of our Ukraine.

We support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and are grateful to everyone who has stood up for the defense of our Motherland!

The announcement also indicated that further reports regarding "[t]he peculiarities of the work in this period" could be found on the Ukrpatent website and on its Facebook page.

In the days following its announcement of continued operations, Ukrpatent posted letters of support that it received from other patent offices.

On Wednesday, a letter of support from the European Patent Office (EPO) was posted, in which the EPO stated that "[i]n these gravest of times, the thoughts of everyone at the European Patent Office are with all those affected by the ongoing military action in Ukraine," and noted that "[a]s a visible sign of our grief and solidarity, all flags have been taken down from outside the EPO's buildings at all sites since last Friday midday." The EPO also noted that its association for social activities -- the Amicale -- would be organizing aid efforts to help those affected, EPO staff would be given the opportunity to provide voluntary contributions to aid organizations, and the EPO itself would be providing a direct contribution so that its collective efforts have the greatest possible positive impact. The EPO closed its letter by stating:

As an institution, we are also discussing the impact of the present crisis on our co-operation activities in the region. An immediate decision has been taken to freeze our co-operation activities with the national patent offices of the Federation of Russia and of Belarus, as well as to put on hold our co-operation activities with the Eurasian Patent Organisation. Looking ahead, we will assess and debate other possible measures and consequences with our 38 Member States, extension states and observers in preparation of the next Administrative Council meeting on 22 March.

In the days and weeks ahead, every effort must be put into promoting open and genuine dialogue as the right path to restoring lasting peace in Europe.

On Thursday, a letter of support from the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland was posted, in which Polish Patent Office President Edyta Demby-Siwek wrote:

In these dark hours, as the horrific events in Ukraine are unfolding and the Ukrainian nation is faced with unprovoked acts of aggression by the Russian regime, on behalf of the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, I would like to express our wholehearted support to Ukraine and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

It is our strong belief that when confronted with propaganda attacks and false narratives undermining Ukraine's right to self-determination, the democratic values and the sense of freedom our countries cherish should become the mainstay of moral order for all of us. There must be no doubt that the threat to Ukraine's freedom is a direct threat to peace and security order across the entire Europe, with consequences reverberating throughout the world. Hence, the immediate and unified response of all democratic countries standing firm by the Ukrainian people and institutions has not only a moral dimension but -- with stepped-up diplomatic action and material support -- it is also a practical one.

President Demby-Siwek also noted that the Polish Patent Office was "taking steps to organize financial humanitarian aid for the fraternal Ukrainian Office and provide direct contributions by donating everyday essentials and medication." President Demby-Siwek closed her letter by stating that:

[W]e reiterate our solidarity with all those affected by the conflict in Ukraine and our thoughts are with the entire Ukrainian people and country. This utterly damnable military action committed by Russia must not break the spirit of freedom, which is so close to the Ukrainian and Polish people's hearts. I would like to assure you that our solidarity comes from the genuine sentiment and connection we feel with the Ukrainian men and women, who repeatedly throughout their history demonstrated bravery and love of freedom. Protecting these values is our most important duty today.

Ukrpatent also posted a letter of support from the Industrial Property Office of the Slovak Republic on Thursday, in which President Matúš Medvec wrote:

Let me express our solidarity with Ukrainians. We strongly and resolutely condemn an unprovoked attack on your country.

We stand with you.

Finally, on Friday, Ukrpatent posted a letter of support from the Austrian Patent Office, in which President Mariana Karepova stated that:

On behalf of the Austrian Patent Office, I would like to express our deepest consternation for the unfathomable sorrow and injustice that has been done to your country and people. We strongly condemn this unprovoked aggression and stand in solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine.

President Karepova noted that "we are witnessing war within our common European continent -- a one-sided violation so grave and monumental in nature, it is almost impossible to match it with words," adding that "[t]he Austrian Patent Office and all its employees hope that this madness will end soon." She concluded the letter by stating that the Austrian Patent Office, working together with the Austrian Ministry for Climate Action, Innovation and Technology, was launching an initiative to gather funds and goods for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and her refugees, and declaring that "[w]e stand in solidarity with you and all your colleagues."