Oxana ZAPORONIUC, a student of Industrial Design within the UTM Faculty of Design, has been honored with the title of Ambassador of Intellectual Property for Youth in the Republic of Moldova by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The recognition ceremony, held virtually, was facilitated by the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI), in collaboration with WIPO, highlighting Oxana’s innovative contributions in the field of packaging design.
Oxana ZAPORONIUC was acknowledged for her ingenious design of a cardboard packaging solution for the safe transportation of liquids, inspired by the principles of LEGO. The packaging requires no additional details and allows for the visualization of the bottle without being opened. In 2023, she officially registered the industrial design of the packaging with AGEPI.
“I am honored to be designated as the Ambassador of Intellectual Property for Youth in the Republic of Moldova,” said Oxana ZAPORONIUC. “I believe it’s crucial for young innovators and creators to understand the importance of protecting their ideas. In this capacity, I aim to inspire and motivate other young people to unlock their potential and to use intellectual property to bring their ideas to life.”
Eugeniu RUSU, the Director General of AGEPI, added, “Thank you for accepting this mission and for your contribution to promoting intellectual property in Moldova. Your role as the Ambassador of Intellectual Property for Youth in the Republic of Moldova is essential in raising awareness and engaging young people in the field of IP and advancing innovation and creativity in our country. Through your work, you encourage other young people to explore their creative potential and understand the importance of protecting their ideas and inventions.”
In this context, Oxana credits her professor, Associate Professor Valeriu PODBORSCHI, the Head of the Department of Industrial and Product Design at the UTM Faculty of Design, for his guidance throughout the registration process of her industrial design with AGEPI. Motivated by the success achieved, Oxana intends to launch other creative projects, which she will also trademark for protection. Ms. Zaporoniuc aspires to become a professional packaging designer and establish a laboratory in Moldova to support creators and innovators in developing new models and solutions for enhancing people’s lives. Additionally, her newfound hobby of crafting paper flower bouquets serves to further fuel her passion for architecture and nature.
On top of being appointed as the Ambassador of Intellectual Property for Youth in the Republic of Moldova, Oxana’s design also won the award for Best Newcomer at the Pro Carton Young Designers Award, stemming from a university project aimed at developing sustainable packaging solutions for the honey industry. Thus, Oxana ZAPORONIUC’s designation as Ambassador of Intellectual Property for Youth in the Republic of Moldova is not only a recognition of her talent and efforts but also underscores the commitment of the Technical University of Moldova to fostering innovation and creativity among its students.
Oxana ZAPORONIUC is the 15th Ambassador of Intellectual Property for Youth designated by WIPO. In this role, she joins a global network of young innovators advocating for the importance of intellectual property. Oxana will also benefit from personalized training in the field of IP, empowering her to effectively carry out her ambassadorial duties and inspire other young people.
The IP4Youth&Teachers program, launched by the WIPO Academy in 2018, seeks to involve young people in the creative process and exploit intellectual property for the benefit of their communities. AGEPI is a partner of the program in the Republic of Moldova.
Oxana ZAPORONIUC’s journey serves as a testament to the idea that innovation and creativity can flourish and be recognized even during one’s student years. Her accomplishments stand as an inspiration for young individuals in Moldova to pursue their dreams and safeguard their intellectual property.
