Albanian 
Prishtina, January 17, 2019 – The American Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo organized a workshop on Intellectual Property in Kosovo and European Union where businesses got informed on the latest developments made in this area as well as the progress made in the implementation of Stabilization-Association Agreement obligations. This workshop was organized as part of a project that is financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), managed by the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF).
AmCham Executive Director, Arian Zeka, said that the purpose of this workshop is to inform businesses on dispositions that regulate intellectual property rights issues that derive from the Stabilization-Association Agreement that went into effect on April 1, 2016, such as geographical indicators, author’s rights, etc. He said that Kosovo has established a good legislation in this area, urging a higher commitment from all in higher implementation.
Kujtesa Neazj-Shehu, Consultant, made a presentation on the intellectual property rights where businesses were informed on types of intellectual property, current mechanisms in this area, and also obligations deriving from the Stabilization-Association Agreement for Kosovo. She also clarified that the legislation is mostly in line with EU directives, however, further improvements should be made in implementing this legislation.
Director of the Office on the Copyright and Related Rights, Valon Kashtanjeva, explained the role of the office he leads, adding that businesses are not very well informed on the importance of intellectual property. He also explained in detail types of acts that are within the author’s rights. Furthermore, he added that, in comparison to industrial property, acts within this category do not need to be registered since protection will be offered from the moment the act is created.
Director of Kosovo Industrial Property Agency, Nezir Gashi, mentioned the challenges the agency has faced in this regard, mentioning the need of increasing human and financial capacities in the agency. He also informed the participants that institutions should prioritize increasing awareness amongst the business community on intellectual property and its implementation in order to implement and carry out obligations deriving from the Stabilization-Association Agreement.