“Sakpatenti Drafted Amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Copyright and Related Rights”, which at This Stage Already Requires Discussion with the Private Sector” - Mindia Davitadze

Today, on July 15, 2020, representatives of the public and the private sectors discussed in the Parliament of Georgia one of the mains challenges of creative industries in Georgia – the problem of piracy. The dialogue between the sectors was organized within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Economic Security Program, with the support of the deputies of the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee of the Parliament of Georgia.

During the meeting the draft of the policy document was presented and all issues articulated  by representatives of the industry were discussed.   

“Today it is a special challenge protection of copyright in the Internet. Sakpatenti drafted amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Copyright and Related Rights”, which at this stage already requires discussion with the private sector. Elaboration of Internet Service Providers Liability legislation, will  ensure introduction of effective mechanisms of rights enforcement for copyright holders in the Internet through private legislative method, without public agencies. In the recent years the intense activity of representatives of the private sector and copyright holders is important, which will considerably facilitate rights enforcement, including in the Internet”, - Mr. Mindia Davitadze, Sakpatenti Chairman, said during the meeting. He also noted that provision of the effective system of copyright enforcement in Georgia requires active work both on the part of the public and the private sectors and asked the parties to cooperate for the  formation of a predictable and sustainable environment in terms of protection of intellectual property. 

It is planned to continue the process of dialogue between the public and the private sectors and to finalize the draft legislative amendments, which will be submitted for consideration to the Government of Georgia.