The 7th Meeting of the EU-Georgia Sub-Committee on Geographical Indications was Held

Representatives of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia – “Sakpatenti” participated in the meeting of the EU-Georgia Sub-Committee on Geographical Indications. The Sub-Committee, which is held annually, is established on the basis of the Association Agreement to regulate issues related to geographical indications between the parties. 

The Georgian party discussed with the members of the delegation of the European Commission important issues regarding protection of geographical indications, the discussion also touched upon the instances of counterfeiting on the territory of the European Union.

The fact of the unlawful use of the protected GI of Georgian product – cheese “Sulguni” was noted. In order to respond to the infringement, on January 20, 2023 Sakpatenti applied in writing to the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) of the European Commission. At the request of the Commission, the relevant agencies of the Republic of Germany studied the case. As a result, to prevent the unauthorized use and distribution of the Georgian geographical indication in Germany, the infringing products were removed from certain supermarket networks. 

The participants of the meeting discussed the issue of granting protection to new Georgian geographical indications on the territory of the European Union. Among these products are Ajika, Asuretuli Shala, Georgian Bay Leaf, Kheta Tangerine, Kisi Magraani, Mukhuri Honey, Okami, Okureshis Usakhelouri, Tkemali, Zegaani.

At the meeting, Ms. Meri Macharashvili, Head of the Department of Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Design of Sakpatenti, delivered a presentation on legislative amendments implemented in the field of intellectual property and registration processes. Through the presentation the participants of the meeting were informed about the ongoing international projects related to geographical indications at Sakpatenti and future steps.

The participants of the meeting on the part of Georgia were Ms. Nino Chikovani, Deputy Chairperson of Sakpatenti, Ms. Meri Macharashvili, Head of the Department of Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Design of Sakpatenti, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the Mission of Georgia to the European Union. 

On the part of the European Commission, the meeting was attended by representatives of various directorates – Mr. Frank Bollen, Ms. Gesa Wesseler, Mr. George Vasilakis, Ms. Aiste Zegunaite and Mr. Niccolò Namari.