Sakpatenti Celebrated Intellectual Property (IP) Examiners’ Professional Day Together with KIU Students

On November 11, the Professional Day of Intellectual Property (IP) Examiners was celebrated at the initiative of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Sakpatenti joined WIPO’s initiative and participated in the project “Celebrating and Empowering IP Examiners”, initiated by Saudi Arabia within the framework of WIPO’s Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP).

The goal of the IP Examiners’ Professional Day is to highlight the work of professionals in the field of intellectual property, identify their role and recognize their daily efforts. Locally, this day was celebrated for the first time. As part of the event, representatives of Sakpatenti visited Kutaisi International University (KIU), where they held an informative and educational meeting for the students of the joint WIPO – Sakpatenti - KIU master’s program “Intellectual Property, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship,” as well as for the students from other faculties. At the meeting, that was opened by Mr. Levan Kopaliani, Kutaisi International University Chancellor with a welcoming speech, the KIU students were introduced to the work of Sakpatenti’s examiners and the specifics of their activities, particularly mechanisms and legal procedures for protecting intellectual property.

IP examiners work in intellectual property offices, where they expertize applications for patents, designs, trademarks, and geographical indications. Their task is to determine whether each application meets the legal requirements for the corresponding type of protection. During the meeting, Sakpatenti representatives discussed the key tasks that are crucial for the sustainable development of the IP system. The special attention was paid to the professional importance of IP examiners.

As part of the event, Ms. Meri Macharashvili, Head of the Department of Inventions and New Varieties and Breeds, delivered a presentation on the patent system and the role of patent examiners in the protection processes for inventions, utility models, and new varieties and breeds. Ms. Anuki Oboladze, Head of the Legal Department, reviewed the mechanisms for protecting trademarks, geographical indications, and designs, as well as the procedure for depositing of works protected by copyright. She also emphasized legislative changes implemented in Georgia in these areas, which have been harmonized with international legal standards. In addition, she spoke about the vital role of examiners in Sakpatenti’s overall activities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ms. Lali Amiranashvili, Head of Sakpatenti’s IP Education and Training Center, informed students about career development opportunities and qualification enhancement programs in the field of intellectual property. She also presented information about WIPO’s specialized courses, including the Sakpatenti and WIPO Academy’s joint distance learning course “General Course on Intellectual Property” (DL101GE), which is available in Georgian, completely free of charge, and covers both international and Georgian IP legislation.

The meeting was conducted in a Q&A format, allowing participants to receive detailed answers to topics of their interest.

The celebration of IP Examiners’ Professional Day represents another important activity supporting WIPO’s global campaign, which, in turn, contributes to promoting the field and strengthening professional standards.