Intellectual Property Laws at Georgia
Georgia has a modern and internationally aligned Intellectual Property (IP) system, harmonized with WTO/TRIPS standards and EU legislation. The National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia (Sakpatenti) is the central authority responsible for IP policy, registration, and enforcement.
🇬🇪 Key IP Laws in Georgia
Georgia's IP framework is based on the following national law:
Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law Protects literary, artistic, and related right.
Patent Law Covers inventions and utility model.
Trademark Law Regulates brand names, logos, and other mark.
Design Law Protects the visual appearance of product.
Law on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications Safeguards regional product name.
Plant Variety Protection Law Ensures rights for new plant varieties.
Law on Topographies of Integrated Circuits Protects semiconductor chip design.
Law on Border Measures Related to Intellectual Property Addresses customs enforcement of IP right. These laws are complemented by over 30 by-laws and guidelines that detail procedures and fee.
🌐 International Treaties & Membership
Georgia is a member f:
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
World Trade Organization (WTO)
Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks
Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works
Hague Agreement Concerning the International Deposit of Industrial Designs
*Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration
These memberships facilitate international protection and enforcement of IP righs.
🏛️ IP Administration & Enforcement
*Sakpatenti: Responsible for IP policy, registration, and enforcement.
*Chamber of Appeals of Sakpatenti: Handles administrative disputes.
*Georgian Courts: Address civil and criminal IP cases.
*Customs Authorities: Implement border measures to prevent the importation of counterfeit gods.
Decisions from Sakpatenti's Chamber of Appeals can be appealed to the common courts, ensuring access to justice.
📚 IP Education & Capacity Building
Sakpatenti has partnered with WIPO and Kutaisi International University to offer a Master's program in Intellectual Property and Innovation Management. This initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce in IP management and entrepreneurship.
✅ Summary Snapsot
| IP Type | Registration Required | Duration | Governing Law / Authority | Copyright | ❌ (automatic) | Life of author + 70 years | Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Law | | Trademark | ✅ | 10 years (renewable) | Trademark Law | | Patent | ✅ | 8–20 years | Patent Law | | Design | ✅ | Up to 25 years | Design Law | | Geographical Indication | ✅ | Indefinite (if criteria met) | Law on Appellations of Origin and GIs | | Plant Variety | ✅ | Up to 25–30 years | Plant Variety Protection Law | | Integrated Circuit Topography | ✅ | 10 years | Law on Topographies of Integrated Circuits | | Trade Secret | ❌ | Indefinite (if secret) | Common law & contracts |
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