Steering Committee of the Twinning Project adopted the quarterly report

Within the framework of Twinning project “Establishing Efficient Protection and Control System of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Georgia” four new Georgian Geographical Indications: Georgian Hazelnut, Georgian Tangerine, Racha Ham and Gurjaani Peach are being worked on. Discussion of the 9th quarterly report was conducted during the 8th meeting of the steering committee held remotely.

According to the action plan of the project, it is planned to conclude an agreement on cooperation with the companies working on internet platforms, such as Amazon, Ebay, Alibaba and Rakuten that will support combating against counterfeiting Georgian Geographical Indication Products on the internet. The above-mentioned issue represents one of the serious challenges for Georgia and several activities are being implemented in this direction within the project. 

The meeting participants got familiar with the information about popularization of Geographical Indication system within the project, as well as  about the activities elaborated for raising public awareness in this regard, including creation of videos, tutorials and animations. It should also be mentioned, that the process of developing the new logo of geographical Indications was completed within the project. 

On the meeting of the Steering Committee attended by the EU representatives in Georgia, Project Leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and Sakpatenti, 9th quarterly report was signed and future plans were elaborated.

Implementation of the EU funded project was started in February 2019 and was estimated to be finished in January 2021. Due to the pandemic situation throughout the world and related restrictions, the project has been prolonged with 7 months period based on the agreement with European partners that will help Georgia to develop unique marketing instrument - Geographical Indications system more effectively and to fully use the related benefits.

National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia-Sakpatenti is the main beneficiary of the project, which is given the opportunity to develop strong and effective protection and control system of Geographical Indications with EU support by sharing experience and the best practice of the leading countries, as well as by increasing role of the producers’ associations and unions.