The Ministry of Defence is initiating the introduction of monetary rewards for military personnel for the implementation and use of their innovative developments. To this end, the defense department has developed a corresponding draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the proposed mechanism should become a tool for fair assessment of the achievements of military inventors, as well as an incentive for further research and creative search for solutions in the defense sector.
"Amid war and technological rivalry with the enemy, we must not only rapidly devise innovative solutions for the frontline but also ensure their protection. That is why the Ministry of Defence is developing a system to protect intellectual property rights," said Deputy Minister of Defence Valeriy Churkin.
He explained that it is not only about the legal registration of rights, but also about forming a culture of respect for intellectual products in the defense sector.
"To build a modern and efficient intellectual property rights management system, a dedicated Intellectual Property Department was established within the Ministry of Defence," the department added.
In addition, the Ministry of Defence initiated two draft laws that have already been supported by the Verkhovna Rada in the first reading. The documents provide for amendments to the Civil Code regarding the distribution of intellectual property rights to objects created by military personnel, and also regulate legal relations related to the creation and use of intellectual property rights in the defense sector.
As noted by the Ministry of Defence, it is expected that the proposed changes will become the basis for building a holistic intellectual property management system in the defense department, in which promising developments created with state budget funds will belong to the state, and their authors will receive fair remuneration.