International Conference “Georgia Against Counterfeiting and Piracy”

Today, on July 12, 2018, the fourth International Conference “Georgia Against Counterfeiting and Piracy” was opened. It is jointly organized by The National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia Sakpatenti and Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), U.S. Department of Commerce. The conference takes place in Batumi and aims to facilitate effective implementation of intellectual property enforcement mechanisms, deepening a dialogue between the private and public sectors, sharing interoffice and international experience and establishing contacts between stakeholders in the direction of rights enforcement.
During the conference, tools and practices for proper enforcement of intellectual property rights, including issues related to using branding strategies will be discussed. In light of rights enforcement the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on IP enforcement and the sale of counterfeits on the Internet will also be discussed by the participants. Attention will be focused on amendments made to the Law of Georgia “On Border Measures Related to Intellectual Property” in 2018, in accordance with DCFTA Agreement, parallel import, international practice concerning securing evidence and calculation of damages and other urgent topics.
The participants of the event will also argue on the outcomes of the measures taken in the recent period against counterfeiting in Georgia as well as current challenges.
Mr. Minelik GetahunAssistant Director General, World intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) visited Georgia to participate in the conference. Among the participants are representatives of IPR Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security, USA, United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), World Customs Organization (WCO), IP offices of various countries, International Chamber of Commerce, local and foreign companies, Interagency Coordination Council for Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement, functioning at Sakpatenti, state agencies and business associations.
The Conference is organized in partnership with the Georgian Bar Association, International Chamber of Commerce Georgia (ICC Georgia), Ajara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event is sponsored by companies “Shalvino”, “BLC Law Firm” and “Mikadze, Gegetchkori, Taktakishvili Law Firm”.
The conference will last for two days and will be attended by more than 100 delegates.