The Parliament Supported the Amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Copyright and Related Rights”

The Parliament of Georgia supported for the third reading  the draft Law of Georgia on Amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Copyright and Related Rights”, prepared by the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia – “Sakpatenti”. The amendments aim to strengthen mechanisms for copyright protection on the Internet and to align national legislation with international standards. 

According to the amendments, clear rules for the liability and exemption from liability of intermediary service providers (Internet providers) are defined for the first time. The amendments allow representatives of creative industry – authors, performers and database owners– to protect their rights on the Internet faster and more effectively on the Internet. 

The so-called “Notice and Takedown” mechanism is introduced, allowing a right holder to submit a written request for the removal of illegally distributed content or the restriction of access to it. Intermediary service providers are required to act within 24 hours. 

The purpose of these amendments is to enhance the protection of copyright and related rights, , reduce Internet piracy and develop the legal digital market in Georgia. The amendments will contribute to the development of innovations and creative activity in the country.  

It is important that in recent years, in the field of copyright and related rights management, Sakpatenti has substantially revised and regulated in accordance with the best international practice the issues of collective management of economic rights. Among these: compulsory state accreditation for organizations wishing to engage in collective management and effective mechanisms for the protection of economic rights were introduced, transparent and fair rules for collection and distribution of royalties were established.

Enhancement of the system of protection of copyright and related rights is an integral part of the overall strategy of intellectual property protection, which is a prerequisite for strengthening the cultural, economic and innovative potential of the country. The effective legal framework in this field encourages creative activity, facilitates attraction of investments and development of innovations, increasing on the global level the competitiveness of the country in terms of creation and export of intellectual products. Thus, the amendments to the Law serve not only to improve the quality of copyright and related rights protection, but also to strengthen the intellectual property ecosystem of Georgia, which forms the basis for sustainable development and a knowledge-based economy.