Romania brings its industrial property attorney legislation in line with OECD, EU standards

The Romanian Government on Thursday amended Emergency Ordinance 66/2000 on the organisation and exercise of the profession of industrial property attorney in accordance with the relevant standards of European Union and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).The emergency ordinance aligns the national legislation with the standards of the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the field of recognition of professional qualifications and the free movement of services."The modification of the current legislative framework is necessary in the context of Romania's accession to the OECD, in order to liberalise the advisory services in the field of industrial property in Romania by extending the treatment granted to the EU/EEA member states and to the citizens of the states adhering to the OECD Codes for the Liberalisation of Capital Movements and Current Invisible Operations," according to the government .The amendments brought to the legislation touches the following aspects: regulating the conditions under which persons authorised to permanently exercise the profession of industrial property attorney in a member state of the European Union, of the European Economic Area or in a state adhering to the OECD Codes for the Liberalisation of Capital Movements and Current Invisible Operations may temporarily carry out this activity in Romania; repealing restrictive provisions from the legislation in force in order to facilitate access to the profession and reduce administrative barriers; ensuring non-discriminatory treatment for citizens of EU/EEA member states and of countries adhering to the OECD Codes for the Liberalisation of Capital Movements and Current Invisible Operations, in accordance with the recommendations made by the OECD Investment Committee; establishing a clear mechanism for the recognition of qualifications won in the mentioned states, with the possibility of applying compensatory measures (adaptation stages or aptitude tests), in accordance with Law 200/2004."By taking these measures, we will facilitate professional mobility, the fair recognition of qualifications acquired outside the country and ensure a clear, predictable legal framework compatible with international standards in the field of industrial property," according to the government.