Agreement on the Mutual Recognition and Protection of Geographical Indications was Signed between Georgia and the Republic of Moldova

On the basis of the Agreement, the Republic of Moldova assumes the obligation to ensure protection of products having the status of Georgian geographical indications against any incorrect use or imitation, including any use which is likely to mislead the public as to the true origin of goods. On the other hand, ten products with the status of geographical indications of the Republic of Moldova, among which is famous “Divin”, Moldovan alcoholic drink made from wine, will be protected in Georgia.

The ceremony of signing was attended by Mr. Alexander Khvtisiashvili, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and Mr. Tengiz Kalandadze, Head of the Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Department, Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.

It is noteworthy that Georgia has similar bilateral agreements on protection of geographical indications abroad with the Swiss Confederation and Ukraine. It is also significant that Georgian GIs are protected under the Association Agreement on the entire territory of the European Union and under the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement – in the United Kingdom. In addition, to prevent unlawful use of Georgian geographical indications, Sakpatenti has protected various Georgian appellations through direct registration in the Republics of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. 15 Georgian appellations of origin are also protected as certification marks in the USA.