It has been acknowledged that reforms leading to an effective and enforceable system for the protection of Intellectual Property Rights will promote culture, science and innovation in Armenia. Such a system will also improve the country’s investment environment and its ability to compete in a knowledge-based global economy.  In addition, an effective enforcement system will be crucial for public health and safety, consumer protection and market competition.

The Armenian Intellectual Property Agency has a central role in this. The political commitment in this area has also led to the establishment of an Observatory on Counterfeiting and Piracy. This government body comprises members from public and private sectors and is chaired by the Minister of Economy.

Legislative and institutional reforms

The current reform strategy focuses on:

• Legislative reforms that will keep Armenian Intellectual Property Rights legislation, including enforcement of the legislation, in line with European and international standards;
• Institutional reform of enforcement authorities such as police, customs and the judiciary;
• Awareness raising activities among different stakeholders, including the general public – the influence of Armenian civil society and business communities is vital for an effective system;
• Thorough reforms that will be conducive for the launch and successful negotiation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) within the framework of an Association; Agreement between Armenia and the European Union.

Customs controls

Previous agreements, such as the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Armenia, already highlight the need to protect Intellectual Property Rights in legal provisions affecting business and investment. The more recent European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan also foresees a series of activities that will ensure Intellectual Property Rights protection and standards in line with European and international standards, including the enforcement of customs controls on imported or exported pirated/counterfeited goods.