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

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.