Georgia (Sakartvelo), located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is a country known for its unique culture, breathtaking scenery, and rich history.
Georgia has a vast and diverse history, with ancient origins. Georgia gained independence from Soviet rule in 1991 and has since transitioned to a more democratic and market-oriented society.
The Georgian Orthodox Church has a tremendous influence on the country's cultural and spiritual life. Georgian is the official language of the country.
Understanding the framework for trademark protection is critical for both domestic and international firms operating under Georgia's jurisdiction, as the country has a dynamic and rising economy.
Georgia's legal system for trademark protection is distinguished by its commitment to achieving international standards and fostering a business-friendly climate. Georgia's intellectual property laws are defined by compliance with international treaties such as the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), both of which the country has signed. It ensures that Georgia's trademark protection provisions are consistent with international norms, resulting in a solid structure for protecting trademarks.
The Law on Trademarks is the primary legislation governing trademarks in Georgia, providing the legal foundation for trademark registration, protection, and enforcement. The National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (Sakpatenti) is the principal institution in charge of trademark registration and other intellectual property problems.
The trademark registration process in Georgia consists of several steps, including application submission, formal and substantive examination, and the issuance of a trademark registration certificate. Once registered, a trademark is protected for 10 years, with the option to renew indefinitely every 10 years. The registration grants the trademark owner exclusive rights to use the mark in connection with the goods or services for which it is registered, as well as the right to prevent others from using similar marks that may confuse consumers.