All three channels of infringement are present across the region. Online infringement is typically identified most quickly, through monitoring of e-commerce platforms, social media and domain registrations. Offline infringement is identified through market sweeps and inspectorate-based actions. Customs recordal provides a further layer of protection at points of entry.

Market sweeps are organised in advance and discreetly - in coordination with the client and the relevant market inspectorate. In practice this involves documenting findings across retail outlets, open markets and wholesalers, then coordinating with the inspectorate for administrative action or with customs if goods are in transit. In Serbia, the inspectorate can seize goods on the spot. In other jurisdictions the procedure is slower but equally available.

Customs recordal is available in all six jurisdictions. For brand owners with regional exposure, a coordinated recordal programme covering all six markets is the most efficient approach - filings managed centrally with IP Adria acting as the single correspondent.

These jurisdictions are outside the EU customs area - there is no centralised recordal equivalent to the EUIPO system. Each jurisdiction requires a separate filing. The practical upside is that customs services in the region are generally well-disposed towards rights holders and act promptly once a recordal is in place.

In certain jurisdictions, courts require advance payment of court fees before proceedings can be commenced. The financial position of the opposing party is also a relevant consideration a successful judgment is only as useful as the defendant's ability to execute it. Before any formal action is taken, we assess both factors and advise accordingly.

Where there is a risk that a judgment may be unenforceable, interim measures for the preservation of assets are available and should be considered as an early step rather than a last resort.