Mr. Soso Giorgadze Delivered a Speech at the Event Marking the 10th Anniversary of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement

Mr. Soso Giorgadze, Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – “Sakpatenti” delivered a speech at the event marking the 10^th Anniversary of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement.

The anniversary event was held within the 66^th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It was attended by current and prospective members of the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement. In his speech, Mr. Soso Giorgadze highlighted the importance of accession to the Geneva Act as a strong mechanism for legal protection of Georgian appellations of origin in the contracting parties and as an additional means for international visibility and recognition of authentic, high-quality Georgian products. He noted that each such product is an integral part of the culture and history of our country, reflecting in its own way the traditions of Georgia, as well as the knowledge and experience accumulated by generations. In conclusion, Mr. Soso Giorgadze thanked the Director General of WIPO and the entire team for organizing the event and noted that next week, within the General Assembly, he will present to the Director General of WIPO the instrument of accession of Georgia to the Geneva Act.

The high-level panel discussion, held within the event featured, together with representatives of various countries, the speeches by Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Ms. Wang Binying, Deputy Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Denis Luku Bohusu, Director General of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), and Mr. Diego Canga Fano, Special Representative of the European Commission. They spoke about the socio-economic role of appellations of origin and geographical indications for preservation of local products and traditions, as well as for promoting sustainable economic development of countries.

It is noteworthy that accession to the Geneva Act was preceded by the reform implemented by Sakpatenti. In particular, a new Law “On Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications” was prepared and adopted, which has regulated the registration procedure in a new way, increased the functions of business associations and, in accordance with the international practice, established a control system for products marked with appellations of origin and geographical indications. On March 18, 2025, the Parliament of Georgia ratified the “Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications”. As a result, the scope of protection of unique Georgian products has significantly expanded to include 23 states party to the Geneva Act and 2 intergovernmental organizations – the European Union and the African Intellectual Property Organization.