The project offers specialist advice and support in selected areas, at different levels where Switzerland is able to offer strong expertise and conduct activities to raise awareness, provide relevant information and experience, and ultimately build the capacity of the IP system and of individuals.

At policy level, the project supports the revision and implementation of the National IP Strategy (2021-2025), so that IPR institutions and IPR users among the Albanian population are better able to capitalize on the opportunities that the IP system offers. In this regard, the project supports the review and preparation of new IP legislation.

Technical capacity building through trainings, workshops and experience sharing between Swiss and Albanian counterparts, education programmes and expert input, aim to raise the quality of the IP registration and administration services of the GDIP and the Copyright Directorate. In parallel, through outreach programmes and training modules, the project supports the promotion, use and acquisition of IPRs by specific target groups, to increase the use and commercialization of IPRs, for example through knowledge and technology transfer services.
In the area of anti-counterfeiting, trainings are held and useful sources of information made available in order to facilitate operational procedures and to further enable judiciary, customs, market surveillance and other IP enforcement agencies in their roles. Public educational campaigns and exchanges on anti-counterfeiting experiences are likewise set up to sensitize the public at large to piracy and counterfeits.
Lastly, as a socio-economic development and marketing tool, promotion of awareness around Geographical Indications (GIs) and the potential of Albanian GIs will be developed towards creating a GI inventory.

1 Why Albania? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Why IP | 5 Who benefits? | 6 Project Facts

The ALSIP Project is aligned with the key socio-economic development priorities of the Government of Albania. The ALSIP project supports Albania in implementing the well-articulated vision in its National IP strategy regarding an IP system, in particular to assure effective registration and protection of IP objects. This can encourage creativity and innovation to stimulate economic growth and cultural and scientific development in the country.
Moreover, the building of strong local brands can further the competitiveness of Albanian companies abroad. Not only is this in the interest of Albania, but is also of benefit to Switzerland, as companies can rely on effective protection for their IPRs.

 1 Why Albania? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Why IP | 5 Who benefits? | 6 Project Facts

The main project counterparts are the General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP) and the Copyright Directorate (CD). Further beneficiaries include other stakeholders of the national IP system such as: State Police, State Inspectorate of Market Surveillance (SIMS), General Directorate of Customs, Magistrate School, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Culture, Collective Management Organizations (CMOs), Union of Chambers of Commerce, Universities, IP consultants (IP lawyers, technology transfer consultants), and selected GI producers associations.
In particular, Albanian companies, local universities and individuals can notably also benefit from an improved functioning IP system, which fosters innovation. Likewise, consumers are better protected from counterfeiting through the capacity development of the judiciary and enforcement agencies.

1 Why Albania? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Why IP | 5 Who benefits? | 6 Project Facts

Project duration

4 years (2020 – 2024)

Total budget

CHF 1,500,000

Donor agency

Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO

Implementing partners

• Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property IPI
• General Directorate of Industrial Property GDIP
• Copyright Directorate CD

Albania country context

Population: 2.8 million

Area: 28,748 km²

Annual GDP growth: 3,4%

Annual GDP per capita PPP: USD 13,350

1 Why Albania? | 2 Objectives | 3 What we do | 4 Why IP | 5 Who benefits? | 6 Project Facts