Patent Law Amendments are Discussed at the Parliament of Georgia

The third, faster and cheaper way of obtaining a patent for an invention on the territory of Georgia is appearing – validation of a European patent on the territory of Georgia, through which the country will attract international applicants. A necessary pre-condition for entry into force of the Agreement between the Government of Georgia and the European Patent Organisation (EPO) on Validation of European Patents (Validation Agreement), signed in 2019, is reflection of the provisions stipulated by the Validation Agreement in the legislation of Georgia and its approximation to the legislation of the European Union countries. This implies harmonization of the Patent Law of Georgia with the European Patent Convention (EPC) and the Patent Law Treaty (PLT). Sakpatenti has already drafted the relevant amendments and the Government of Georgia has submitted them to the Parliament.

Today, on May 30, 2022, the Committee on European Integration of the Parliament discussed the “Amendment to the Patent Law of Georgia”, submitted by the Government as a legislative initiative. Ms. Nino Chikovani, Acting Chairperson of the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – “Sakpatenti”, delivered a presentation at the legislative body. Earlier, on May 20, the Amendment package was considered for the first reading at the session of the Legal Issues Committee.  

Currently, it is possible to obtain a patent for an invention in Georgia through direct filing of an application with Sakpatenti as well as by means of an international application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Obtaining of patent protection by the third way, through validation of a European patent on the territory of Georgia, will be possible after completion of the legislative process. 

The launching of the validation system will be step forward for Georgia towards joining the European Patent Organisation, which will further strengthen the importance of protection of intellectual property in the country and will facilitate fulfillment of the commitments under the Association Agreement between the European Union and Georgia. Introducing the validation system is one of the facilitating preconditions of integration of the economy of Georgia into the European market and at the same time it is a clear message for investors that Georgia is a full member of the European patent family where patent rights are protected in accordance with the quality of protection system existing in European countries. 

EPO is a second largest public service organization in Europe. It carries out examination of applications to obtain patents for inventions and grants European patents. Its activities are directed to facilitate development of innovations, competitiveness and economic growth in Europe.