The Industrial Property Agency, within the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation, has concluded the first half of 2026 with important results in increasing the efficiency of services, advancing the digitalization process and expanding international cooperation, further strengthening the industrial property system in the Republic of Kosovo.
Statistics for the period January–June 2026 show a significant increase in the Agency’s performance. The number of trademark registrations has increased from 837 to 1,163, or 38.95% more compared to the same period last year. Similarly, trademark examinations have increased by 12.45%, registration certificates by 18.22%, while trademark registration renewals by 28.88%. The Agency’s revenues have also increased, reaching EUR 206,715, or 6.2% more than in the same period in 2025.
One of the most significant indicators is the shortening of the trademark registration procedure. Compared to 2024, the average registration time has been reduced by almost three months, reflecting greater administrative efficiency and faster provision of services to businesses and citizens.
Another strategic achievement during this period is the successful completion of the migration to IPAS 4.0, the most advanced version of the industrial property administration system supported by WIPO. This system creates the technical basis for the provision of online services as part of the Agency’s full digitalization process.
The API has made significant progress in the internationalization of the industrial property system. A Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Austrian Patent Office has been agreed in principle and is expected to be formalized soon. This agreement will create a completely new service for innovators and applicants in Kosovo, enabling substantive examination of patents by experts from the Austrian Patent Office. This cooperation will increase the quality of patenting procedures, strengthen the credibility of the system and provide inventors in Kosovo with access to advanced European expertise.
During this period, the Agency has strengthened cooperation with international partners through its involvement in the regional project EU4IP – Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights in the Western Balkans, funded by the European Union and implemented by EUIPO, as well as advancing preparations for the implementation of the Swiss PartnershIP – Kosovo program, supported by the Swiss Government. These initiatives will contribute to strengthening the intellectual property system in Kosovo, through the approximation of legislation with European Union standards, building institutional capacities, developing the innovation ecosystem and supporting the protection of local products with geographical indications.
In addition to these developments, during this period, the book “Trademarks in Kosovo – Analysis of Key Principles through the Practice of the Industrial Property Agency” was also published, published by Vokshi & Lata Law Firm. The book presents the first analysis of the administrative practice of the Agency and serves as an important reference for businesses, professionals and institutions, contributing to increasing legal certainty, transparency and unification of practice in the field of trademarks.
The achievements conducted during this period demonstrate the Agency’s progress in increasing the efficiency of services, advancing digitalization and strengthening international cooperation, contributing to the development of a modern and reliable industrial property system in the Republic of Kosovo.