Ukraine ends special wartime IP rules – prepare for return to standard deadlines

Updated 2 May 2025:
The law was officially published on 1 May 2025 and will enter into force on 31 May 2025. From that date, the 75-day grace period will commence.

Please be informed that on 16 April 2025, the Ukrainian Parliament adopted a new law that cancels the special wartime IP rules enacted in 2022. These rules temporarily suspended various deadlines and extended IP rights during the martial law period. The new law was officially published on 1 May 2025 and will enter into force on 31 May 2025, following signature by the President of Ukraine.

Once the law becomes effective, all suspended deadlines will resume. Each deadline will be reinstated, taking into account the time that had already elapsed before its suspension. A minimum grace period of 75 days from 31 May 2025 will apply. Any IP-related actions or fees paid within this grace period will be considered timely.

Key points in short:

• The new law is expected to come into force in about 1 to 2 months.
• Once effective, standard deadlines for patent validity, trademark oppositions, fee payments, document submissions, and renewals will resume.
• IP rights extended under wartime rules will expire unless actively maintained.
• The Patent Office will restart processing dormant applications and delayed oppositions.
• A 75-day grace period will allow IP owners to make overdue filings and payments without penalty.

Next steps to consider:

• Review your IP portfolio, particularly concerning cases postponed during martial law.
• Take necessary actions within the 75-day grace period to ensure compliance and maintain rights.

We will continue to monitor the publication and contact you separately if any actions are needed.

Please feel free to contact Riikka Palmos, riikka.palmos@papula-nevinpat.com, with any questions – we are here to assist you during this transition.