An information visit of members of the European Law Students’ Association - ELSA National Group “ELSA Republic of Moldova” took place on March 13, this year, to the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI). This occasion provided students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the field of intellectual property (IP) protection and to learn about its importance and role in society.

The event was opened with a welcoming speech by the Director General of AGEPI, Eugeniu Rusu, who highlighted the role and importance of protecting and respecting intellectual property rights, spoke about the general aspects that determine the need to protect IP objects, tools for promoting trademarks, subject-matters protected by copyright and related rights, as well as other intellectual property objects. At the same time, Eugeniu Rusu invited students to do internships at AGEPI, thus offering them the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in this field.

During the visit, AGEPI specialists informed about how intellectual property influences innovation, creativity and economic development, mentioned the bilateral screening meeting of the Republic of Moldova with the European Commission related to Chapter 7: Intellectual Property Law, about cooperation with other international, regional organizations and national core offices, including the World Intellectual Property Organization.

ELSA members learned about how knowledge and use of IP can bring competitive advantages in developing a successful career and how they can apply in finding an internship, a paid internship program or a job within AGEPI.

Finally, the question-and-answer session followed, in which students had the opportunity to ask specific questions and debate topics related to intellectual property objects and other key aspects of the field.

We should note that AGEPI and the European Law Students’ Association - National Group “ELSA” signed a Cooperation Agreement in the field of intellectual property in April 2022. The agreement involves the cooperation of the two parties in participating in or organizing educational-informative events in the field of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights for ELSA members; providing access to public information in the field of intellectual property and to reference sources of information and documentation; providing, upon request, consultancy in the field of intellectual property, etc.