On 2 September 2026, IMPACTA LAW hosted a presentation of two draft Laws of Ukraine – “On Trademarks” and “On the Protection of Trade Secrets”. The event brought together representatives of the Ukrainian National Office for Intellectual Property and Innovation (UKRNOIVI / IP Office), the Ministry of Economy and Environment, AHK Ukraine, Ukrainian and international businesses, and the legal community. Viacheslav Korchev, Partner at IMPACTA LAW, delivered welcoming remarks. 

The draft laws form part of Ukraine’s European integration agenda and are designed to bring the country’s intellectual property framework closer to EU law. The proposed changes include a more streamlined and modern trademark registration and protection system, advanced digitalisation of procedures, clearer and shorter examination timelines, and a comprehensive framework for the protection of trade secrets and undisclosed know-how aligned with the EU acquis.

Changes to intellectual property rules are closely connected with competition law. Developed with the participation of the AMCU, the Draft Law on the Protection of Trade Secrets would update the rules on protection against unfair competition and introduce a separate legal concept of know-how for the first time. 

This is particularly relevant for technology and defence companies working with foreign manufacturers, transferring technology or setting up joint ventures. In addition to protecting know-how and trade secrets, these arrangements may also raise merger control issues and, depending on the structure of the JV, require AMCU clearance. For IP rights holders and businesses, the proposed rules would also provide clearer ways to stop the unlawful use or disclosure of confidential information, remove infringing goods from the market, and seek compensation for losses. 

The proposed changes were presented by: 

• Lidiya Yusina, Head of the IP Division at the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine 

• Olena Orliuk, Director of UKRNOIVI 

• Bohdan Paduchak, First Deputy Director of UKRNOIVI 

• Mykola Pototskiy, Deputy Director of UKRNOIVI 

The discussion highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue between the government and business community as Ukraine advances its European integration. Effective implementation of the proposed changes will require coordinated efforts across government, business and the expert community. Beyond meeting Ukraine’s EU integration commitments, the new framework is expected to contribute to a more modern, transparent and predictable IP environment, supporting businesses in protecting their brands, know-how and other intellectual assets as they operate and compete in the European market.