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            My name is Tetiana Pliachenko, I am a patent and trademark attorney of Ukraine No. 418, the manager of a patent bureau “Algorithm”. I live and work in Kerson – a medium-sized cozy city located in the south of Ukraine.

            Since the start of the Russian invasion into Ukraine, Kherson has been occupied by the Russian military who have shelled and bombed residential buildings with civilians. Many civilians have been murdered and/or wounded. Countless Russian military machines and soldiers entered the city, there are many checkpoints, the documents and vehicles are being constantly inspected.

            Every day since the occupation, in Kherson and other cities and towns of our region, there have been rallies in support of Ukraine. Civilians carried Ukrainian flags and demanded that the Russian soldiers get out of Ukraine. After rallies, many activists have been kidnapped. They are held hostages and being tortured. During one of the rallies in Kherson, the Russian military started shooting at civilians, some participants were wounded.  

            These days, heavy fights are taking place at the outskirts of Kherson, in particular, in Chornobayivka and Zelenivka, where shelling can be heard regularly. The neighboring villages Stanislav, Aleksandrivka and Posad-Pokrivs’ke have been destroyed. These villages have been nearly wiped out, there is no food, water, or medicines in this area. This is a real humanitarian disaster that is causing irreversible consequences. 

            I live in a private house near the Antonov bridge over the Dnipro River, which connects Kherson and the left bank of the river. Because of the damages, we did not have electricity, gas, or water for three weeks. When shelling can be heard close in the area, we are hiding in a small underground cave. We are really scared!

            Despite the absence of humanitarian corridors in Kherson region, many people are taking the risk to flee the city and the region on their own. The city is becoming desolate. The life of civilians and businesses are paralyzed. The only institutions that remain functioning are those in life-supporting areas: grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals.

            Business no longer cares about intellectual property. No one does. Surviving is the ultimate goal.

            A few of my clients, with whom I have been working for many years, have been murdered or have gone missing. As a result, some marks I have filed for registration will no longer be needed. Annuities will not be paid, and the patents will lapse. But this is so insignificant compared to human lives.

Thanks to my foreign clients, I have some work assignments to take care of. I keep filing trademark and patent applications for registration with the Ukrainian IPO. This helps us keep our heads above water and brings food for my family. Which I am immensely grateful for. This means that not only us, Ukrainians, but also the world community believes in victory and prosperity of Ukraine.  

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