“Geographical Indications are an Additional Mechanism for the Development of Agriculture and Economy of the Country in General” - Mindia Davitadze

The International Training Course on Geographical Indications is held in the remote mode this year. The course, which is a part of the Professional Development Program (PDP) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is administered by Sakpatenti for the fourth year.

This year, examiners of the IP Offices of 17 countries as well as from Georgia, and experts of relevant ministries from various countries will acquire the information about the mechanisms of legal protection of geographical indications, various legal protection systems and international practice, also about the experience of Georgia. The course, together with the international experts, is led by trainers of the Training Centre of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia Sakpatenti. The Agenda includes discussion on branding strategies and the role of geographical indications in this process, as well as international agreements and current legislation regulating issues related with geographical indications.

The course was opened by Mr. Mindia Davitadze, Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia Sakpatenti. In the welcoming address he noted: “In the conditions of the global pandemic, which caused great difficulties for the food and foodstuffs industry around the world in terms of demand and supply, the development and enhancement of local agricultural systems have acquired special importance for some countries.

Moreover, it is recognized that geographical indications can play a special role in this process as it is a significant tool in order to improve the reputation and quality of locally produced goods. Furthermore, GIs facilitate not only expansion of the export potential of products, but also contribute to their competitive power on the local market as compared with the imported goods. This is an additional mechanism for the development of agriculture and economy of the country in general”.

The Training Course on Geographical Indications of the WIPO Academy Professional Development Program is aimed to enhance the skills of professionals of the intellectual property field. The Academy delivers courses on different intellectual property subject-matters together with leading offices of a various developed countries. Sakpatenti is the first office in the region to administer the WIPO Academy PDP Course, which is evaluated very positively each year.