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It is a great pleasure and honor to congratulate you on the fifth anniversary of the Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO). I appreciate very much having the opportunity to celebrate this special occasion with you, which marks a historic event for the region as well as for the international intellectual property community.
With the fall of the ex-Soviet Union, new sovereign states have come into the international arena and new independent intellectual property offices have been set up. During these years of transition, a small group under the leadership of Mr. Blinnikov, together with the new intellectual property offices, worked tirelessly in their efforts to make effective this new regional intellectual property organization.
Today, the EAPO already plays a significant role in the field of intellectual property protection. Applicants from more than 45 countries enjoy its services, as seen by the increasing numbers of Eurasian applications filed: in 1996 -118, in 1997 - 457, in 1998 - 1085, in 1999 -1117. This could not have been achieved without the EAPO's assistance to the national patent offices of the Member countries, or without the significant efforts of all the Member states.
Nevertheless, I would like to pay a special tribute to the most active creators of this Organization, to the former Director General of WIPO, Dr. Arpad Bogsch and to a veteran of intellectual property protection, Mr. Victor Blinnikov, who invested so much energy not only in the establishment of the EAPO, but as well in the management of me work of the EAPO.
As a Depositary of the Eurasian Patent Convention, that has established the EAPO, I appreciate the strong relationship which WIPO has shared with the EAPO and look forward to enhancing and deepening that relationship as we work together to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
I applaud your approach towards coherence of vision, unity of purpose and comprehensive and effective management, and wish you every success in the further development of your Organization.
Dr. Kamil Idris
