The President of the European Patent Office (EPO) Pays an Official Visit to Georgia

Mr. António Campinos, President of the European Patent Office (EPO), is paying an official visit to Georgia. The EPO President is participating in the International Conference: “From Research to Impact: The Role of Patents in Technology Transfer”, organized by Sakpatenti, at the Paragraph Freedom Square Hotel.

The Conference is dedicated to the possibilities of turning the results of scientific and research activity into real products and the key role of knowledge in the modern economy. And patent, as an intellectual property subject-matter, is considered as a strategic tool that connects knowledge with economic value, supports commercialization of innovations and creates a safe environment for investments.  

The Tbilisi Conference is bringing together state agencies, the academic sector and international partners to discuss issues of development of innovation ecosystem. The Conference participants discuss the importance of universities and research centers in the development of innovations, building of relevant professional skills, strengthening of the innovation ecosystem and technology transfer mechanisms. Special attention is devoted to patents as a legal protection tool that reduces commercial risks and improves the predictability of commercial use of technology. 

The Conference was officially opened by Levan Zhorzholiani, Head of the Government Administration of Georgia, who highlighted the legislative regulations existing in the intellectual property field in Georgia. Mr. Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, and Ms. Nino Tsilosani, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliament of Georgia, spoke about the development of the innovation ecosystem, the main priorities of scientific and research policy and the role of academic component in the development of the country. In his keynote address, Mr. António Campinos stressed the role of international cooperation and the importance of launching the validation system of European patents in Georgia, as well as strengthening relations with Georgia as a partner country and future plans. Mr. Soso Giorgadze, Chairman of Sakpatenti, spoke about strengthening of patent activity and modern mechanisms for intellectual property protection.

The second part of the Conference will be devoted to panel discussions in two main thematic directions, during which leading experts of the relevant sectors and leaders from academic and institutional fields will participate. The role of universities in the innovation ecosystem and innovation as a key driver of economy will be discussed by Mr. Xavier Seuba, Principal Director, European Patent Office (EPO) Academy, Mr. Erekle Astakhishvili, Vice-Rector, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Mr. Vakhtang Tsagareli, Acting Rector, Kutaisi International University, Mr. Tite Aroshidze, Rector of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, and Ms. Sophio Bakhtadze, Vice-Rector, Tbilisi State Medical University. The  second panel will be held with participation of Mr. Antoine Réty, Country Coordinator for International Cooperation, European Patent Office (EPO), Mr. Avtandil Kasradze, Chairman of the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA), Ms. Magda Maghradze, Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Foundation, Mr. Levan Vepkhvadze, Executive Director of the Business Association of Georgia, and Mr. Rati Golijashvili,  Managing Partner of JSC “Biochimpharm”.

It is noteworthy that the visit of Mr. António Campinos was preceded by sending to the European Patent Organisation an official Letter of Interest of Georgia to Accede to the European Patent Convention, which means the prospect of full membership for our country. Prior to this step, the mechanism of validation of European patents was launched in Georgia, which ensures legal recognition of European patents in Georgia