Negotiations between representatives of Universal Music Group and IPOA took place at Sakpatenti with the involvement of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
July 17, 2025
A meeting was held at the
headquarters of the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia –
Sakpatenti, between representatives of Sakpatenti, the Intellectual Property
Owners Association (IPOA), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and
Mr. Robbert Baruch, Vice President of the voice recording company “Universal
Music Group”.
It is noteworthy that Universal
Music Group is one of the leading voice recording company in the world music
industry with the headquarter in Hilversum, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Over
the years, the company has cooperated with most countries worldwide, including
Georgia. The Intellectual Property Owners Association (IPOA) is the only accredited
collective management organization of economic rights in Georgia. Therefore, in
terms of protection of copyrights and the related rights, cooperation between
these organizations is especially important.
At the meeting, the parties
discussed the challenges between Universal Music Group and the Georgian
Copyright Association (GCA) the collective management organization of economic
rights operating in Georgia until 2024. With the support of Sakpatenti and the
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the parties agreed on the future
action plan, including the exchange of necessary documentation and information.
At the same time, Mr. Baruch expressed his readiness to assist IPOA in
communicating with the International Federation of the Photographic Industry
(IFPI). In turn, the Georgian Organization presented its proposals and
bilateral steps to respond to the challenges arising from the work of the
organization operating in the past and to establish fairness and trust based
relationship in future.
During the meeting, Ms. Tika
Nebieridze, Deputy Chairperson of Sakpatenti, introduced the guests to
Sakpatenti’s activities and the reforms implemented in recent years, including
significant amendments to the Law of Georgia on Copyright and Related Rights,
based on which and by taking into account the relevant directives of the
European Parliament and the Council of Europe, the issues of collective
management of economic rights were substantively revised and regulated in accordance with the
best international practices. In turn. Mr. Baruch presented information about
the activities of Universal Music Group and expressed his appreciation towards
Sakpatenti for organizing the meeting.
It is
noteworthy, that the negotiations were preceded by a meeting in April this year
between Mr. Soso Giorgadze, Chairman of Sakpatenti and Mr.
Maurice Paulussen, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands in Georgia. During the meeting, Mr. Giorgadze noted that Sakpatenti,
within its authority, will facilitate as much as possible proper protection of the
lawful interests of both local and international organizations operating in the
field of intellectual property.

