Training on Biotechnology Inventions Patentability and Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search” Delivered to Sakpatenti Examiners

To enhance the professional development of the examiners at Sakpatenti’s Department of Inventions and New Varieties and Breeds, a three-day training session on Biotechnology Inventions Patentability and Freedom to Operate (FTO) Search” was conducted at the Hotel “Holiday Inn Tbilisi”. This training was part of the joint project (GESIP) of Sakpatenti and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). 

The training was conducted by– Dr. Ingrid B Müller, a Patent Expert from the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). 

During the training, participants explored the legal foundations for biotechnological inventions, including patentability criteria andestablished exclusions and limitations. The session featured interactive discussions on FTO search strategies and tools specific biotechnology. Participants engaged in practical exercises using databeses such as Espacenet, Lens and other search systems, gaining insights into advantages and peculiarities of search. Special emphasis was placed on DNA sequence search, recent trends in biotechnology  and patentability of bacteriophages.

Along with enhancing the professional capabilities itsemployees, one of Sakpatenti’s priorities it to introduce new services in the patent field and to offer them to intellectual property users, which is a significant factor contributing to the development of patent system in Georgia. For this purpose, within the project, the cycle of training sessions on freedom-to-operate (FTO) search in various fields was planned and is being implemented.

Biotechnology involves using  living organisms and biological systems to create new products and technologies spanning sectors like medicine, agriculture, environmental protection and industry. In the recent years, the globally increasing trend of the number of patents in biotechnology field is observable. According to the European Patent Office (EPO) statistics, between 2015 and 2023, applications in the field of biotechnology increased by 46%. Hence, the service of freedom-to-operate (FTO) search in the biotechnology field is of special practical importance.

For companies it is significant to conduct FTO search as it allows them to search and analyze existing patents, in order to avoid infringement of rights of other companies and potential legal disputes. As a result, through FTO search, companies will ensure better development and commercialization of their products without the risk of patent infringement. 

GESIP is a joint project of Sakpatenti and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI), launched on August 1, 2022 and implemented with the financial support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The project aims to facilitate trade and investment in Georgia by promoting the protection and use of intellectual property rights.