Sakpatenti Participates in the 18th Session of the WIPO Advisory Committee on Enforcement

The 18th Session of the WIPO Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) was held at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Ms. Darejan Mtchedlidze, Head of the Trademarks, Geographical Indications and Designs Department of Sakpatenti, participated as an invited speaker and delivered a presentation on the topic: “Raising Awareness of the Importance of Intellectual Property in Georgia through Educational and Information Activities.”

Ms. Darejan Mtchedlidze presented information on the educational, informational and awareness-raising activities implemented by Sakpatenti during 2024-2025, aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, innovation and creative activities in the field of intellectual property. She particularly highlighted the first international Master’s Program in intellectual property, developed in Georgia, which was launched under a trilateral memorandum signed between WIPO, Kutaisi International University (KIU) and Sakpatenti. The Program focuses on Intellectual Property, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening intellectual property protection in the country, deepening international academic cooperation in the field of education, and developing a knowledge-based economy.

In her presentation, the Sakpatenti representative also highlighted the activities of the Sakpatenti Intellectual Property Education and Training Center, which, in cooperation with WIPO, implements a number of educational and training programs. Notable initiatives include the WIPO Academy’s Georgian-language online course (DL101GE), the International Summer Law School on Intellectual Property, projects implemented in cooperation with universities, youth camps, training sessions, student activities and professional traineeship programs.

During the session, the Committee discussed several key issues related to the enforcement of intellectual property rights, including awareness-raising campaigns and educational activities conducted by Member States; intellectual property enforcement policies and institutional mechanisms, including balanced and effective approaches to dispute resolution; opportunities for WIPO’s legislative assistance in the field of intellectual property rights enforcement; prospects for cooperation in the development of national legislation; as well as successful initiatives and WIPO-supported activities aimed at capacity building and training at the national and regional levels.

It is noteworthy that the WIPO Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) was established by the WIPO General Assembly in 2002. The Committee’s mandate is to provide technical assistance to Member States and facilitate the exchange of information on intellectual property enforcement issues.