Georgia - the Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications 2023

The work of the 2023 edition of the Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications is over. The event, which was organized by Sakpatenti and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and held in Tbilisi, is a major and large-scale global forum in the field of intellectual property protection, taking place every two years. 

During two days, within the Worldwide Symposium, about 300 representatives from 62 countries and up to 1000 remote participants discussed challenges facing the international and national systems of protection of geographical indications, the ways of overcoming them and objectives. In the process of the work, attention was focused on new developments in Intellectual Property Offices of various countries and future perspectives, which considerably contribute to the economic development of countries and is also reflected in the improvement of the social conditions of the population.

It is universally acknowledged that geographical indications are an effective tool for production of high-quality and competitive agricultural goods, as well as increasing their export potential and development of regions. The origin of geographical indications is related to a particular place and is distinguished by high quality, specific features and reputation, which are due to the particular climatic conditions, soil of this place and the traditional knowledge and experience of production of goods among the local population. Thus, it was of utmost importance to held the Worldwide Symposium in Georgia, the country which is rich in various unique agricultural products and original traditions of their production. 

Taking account of the specificities of geographical indications, the panels of the Symposium discussed significant issues such as: branding and marketing strategies for geographical indications and the development of the tourism sector in the areas from which geographical indications origin. It was noted that the success of geographical indication products depends largely on effective governance and quality control structures. Thus, it is important to discuss various approaches to this subject and the existing challenges.

In addition, one of the panels reviewed on the example of selected countries of the Lisbon System, new developments in geographical indications and peculiarities of development. Various positions were presented and the underlying argumentation was discussed. Attention was also focused on mechanisms of international protection.

The management of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), representatives of the Commission of the European Union and international organizations, among these, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), the global alliance of Geographical Indications - the Organization for an International Geographical Indications Network – oriGIn, as well as the representatives of the Government and the Parliament  of Georgia, the diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia,  state agencies and private sector participated in the Symposium. The event was also attended by the heads of Intellectual Property Offices, GI experts, sectoral specialists and scientists from leading universities of various countries.