Mr. Soso Giorgadze Met with Director of the National Institute of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Mr. Soso Giorgadze, Chairman of Sakpatenti, held a meeting in Geneva with Mr. Yerbol Ospanov, Director of the National Institute of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the meeting, deepening of the cooperation between the countries in the field of intellectual property was discussed. The parties agreed to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Institute of Intellectual Property of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Sakpatenti in the near future. At the meeting special attention was paid to the issue of mutual recognition of geographical indications.

It is noteworthy that by the decision of the session of the Georgia-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, for the purpose of discussing the draft Agreement “On Mutual Recognition and Protection of Geographical Indications between Georgia and the Republic of Kazakhstan” and its subsequent signing, a working group is set up which will work in the direction of protection of geographical indications of both countries. As of today, Georgia has submitted through individual registration 22 geographical indications (appellations of origin) for protection in Kazakhstan, including mineral waters, wine and Chacha. By this agreement, Georgia and the Republic of Kazakhstan will recognize according to the principle of reciprocity and ensure the legal protection of all geographical indications and appellations of origin on the basis of the national legislations.

The parties also discussed the issues of preparation of various educational programs and organization of conferences/seminars, which will be aimed at sharing information and experience. The meeting of Mr. Soso Giorgadze and Mr. Yerbol Ospanov took place within the framework of the 64th session of the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).