Sakpatenti is Actively Working on Creation of the National Commission of Geographical Indications

National Commission on Geographical Indications, responsible for registration of new geographical indications and appellations of origin and identification of their compliance with the legislation, is being set up in Georgia. Creation of the first entity of this type, responsible for the geographical indications system, has become possible within the EU funded Twinning Project on “Establishing Efficient Protection and Control System of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Georgia” (GE/16 ENI EC 0318).

Working meeting is taking place at Sakpatenti Head Office in order to prepare the future activities of the entity established to facilitate the development of the geographical indications system and its proper functioning. The training of the hybrid format is attended by the representatives of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia - Sakpatenti, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, the National Food Agency and the National Wine Agency. Exactly these organizations are considered as the members of the Commission. The participants of the meeting will discuss the Commission’s role, functions, competence, structure and other issues related to examination of the applications. During the meeting the participants will also get familiarized with the experience of France regarding particular actions to be implemented by the Commission. 

Similar commissions function in the countries having a well-developed system of geographical indications. The best practices of such countries demonstrate that it is possible to ensure active involvement of all stakeholders of the system within a similar commission. The National Commission, established for facilitation of proper functioning of the geographical indications system, will include representatives of Sakpatenti and sectoral governmental agencies, and, if necessary, invited experts and other parties.  

Organization of the two-day training has become possible within the EU funded Twinning Project on “Establishing Efficient Protection and Control System of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Georgia” (GE/16 ENI EC 0318).

The Project aims to support the development of the system of geographical indications and appellations of origin system in Georgia and its harmonization with the GI protection system of the European Union. It also covers creation of such administrative and institutional mechanisms that will facilitate capacity building and deepening of the knowledge in the given field. In addition, the project envisages increasing of the role of producers’ associations and unions in the development of the geographical indications system.