Geographical Indications Law in Georgia
Here’s a summary of the Geographical Indications (GI) Law in Georgia:
🇬🇪 Geographical Indications Law in Georgia
1. Legal Framework
Georgia regulates Geographical Indications under its Law on Geographical Indications and Appellations of Origin of Goods, adopted in 2010.
The law is harmonized with EU standards and the TRIPS Agreement.
The protection is administered by the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (Sakpatenti).
2. Definitions
Geographical Indication (GI): A sign used on products originating in a specific place, region, or country, where a given quality, reputation, or other characteristic is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
Appellation of Origin (AO): A more specific term where the quality or characteristics are due exclusively or essentially to the geographical environment, including natural and human factors.
3. Registration Requirements
Applicants must submit a request to Sakpatenti including:
Description of the product.
Geographical area of production.
Evidence that the product’s qualities/reputation are linked to the geographic origin.
Regulations on production methods and quality control.
The GI is granted after examination and publication for opposition.
4. Protection and Rights
Protection grants exclusive rights to use the GI for producers located in the defined geographical area.
It prohibits unauthorized use, imitation, or evocation of the GI by others.
Protection is limited to the territory of Georgia.
5. Duration
GI protection is granted for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
6. International Treaties and Agreements
Georgia is a party to international treaties that protect GIs, including:
TRIPS Agreement (WTO)
Lisbon Agreement (WIPO)
Cooperation with the European Union on intellectual property rights, particularly through association agreements.
7. Examples of Georgian GIs
Famous Georgian wines like Kindzmarauli and Tsinandali have protected geographical indications.
Other agricultural products and traditional goods may also be protected.
8. Enforcement
The law provides for administrative and judicial remedies against infringement.
Sakpatenti oversees registration and enforcement mechanisms.
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