Representatives from 17 Countries Completed the WIPO-SAKPATENTI Advanced Certificate Training Program on Geographical Indications at Sakpatenti Education and Training Center

At the Education and Training Center of the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – “Sakpatenti”, representatives from  17 countries completed the International Advanced Certificate Training Program on Geographical Indications of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Sakpatenti. This year, Sakpatenti, in cooperation with WIPO, has implemented the ninth edition of the Program. It is noteworthy that,taking into account the knowledge and successful experience accumulated by Georgia in the field of geographical indications, Georgia  is the only country where, by the decision of the WIPO Academy, this joint program on GIs is held annually.

At the closing event of the course, Mr. Soso Giorgadze, Chairman of the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – “Sakpatenti”, addressed the participants and presented them with joint certificates of WIPO and Sakpatenti recognizing successful completion of the program. In his speech, the Chairman emphasized  the importance of the system of the protection of geographical indications for economic development of the country, and introduced  to the participants the reform of the legislation on the geographical indications protection carried out in Georgia last year. Finally, he expressed gratitude to the WIPO Academy for cooperation and wished success to all participants of the course. 

The International Advanced Certificate Training Program is designed for officials of intellectual property offices, sectoral ministries and public institutions involved in protection of geographical indications. It is noteworthy that, this year  representatives of associations of producers of GI products also participated in the event. The program was attended by representatives from India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Uganda, Bhutan, Zimbabwe, Tonga, Peru, Pakistan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Samoa, São Tomé and Principe, Rwanda and Laos.

The Advanced Certificate Training program on Geographical Indications (Gis), which covered a wide range of topics related to geographical indications – protection control mechanisms, commercialization, marketing, as well as strategic branding and recent trends - was led by international and Georgian speakers, including professors from the University of Alicante (Spain) and the University of Warsaw (Poland), experts from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as specialists from Sakpatenti, the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia and the National Wine Agency. 

As part of the program,participants visited the microzones of appellations of origin of Georgian wines in the Kakheti region and became acquainted with the production process of wines from various appellations. 

The Advanced Certificate  Training Program on Geographical Indications has gained significant  popularity among specialists worldwide. Since 2017 to present, around  140 representatives from various countries have completed the program and the number of applicants continues to grow each year . It is noteworthy that in 2024, the program was revamped – both its name and format were changed. Greater emphasis was placed on European Union best practices and practical applications, and for this purpose, EU experts from academic circles were invited.

starting from  2024, both the name and format of the program have changed – greater emphasis was placed on European Union best practices and practical applications and for this purpose  EU experts from academic circles have been invited. 

For Sakpatenti, the implementation of this program in Georgia is more than just an educational initiative – it is a meaningful contribution to strengthening the global reputation and recognition of Georgian products. By connecting our natural environment, centuries-old traditions, and professional expertise, the program helps showcase Georgia’s unique identity to international audiences and reinforces its place on the world map of quality and authenticity.