Expert: Russia needs software forced licensing for interim period

MOSCOW, Jun 13 (PRIME) – Russia needs a temporary mechanism to use foreign programs legally because replacement of foreign software with local programs takes time, Online Patent General Director Alina Akinshina told PRIME on Tuesday.

“The mechanism (of compulsory licensing) is rather complicated and applies only to inventions, useful models, and industrial samples. Evidently, the possibility of expanding the list of the objects for compulsory licensing by adding to it mainly software is being considered,” Akinshina said.

“Import replacement in this segment really takes time, we need an interim mechanism to legally exploit foreign software for the period needed to develop local solutions.”

Daily Izvestiya reported earlier that the government is preparing amendments for compulsory licensing of foreign intellectual property, while the Digital Development Ministry said the changes relate only to foreign software.

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