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First Revamped Executive Program on Geographical Indications in Georgia Winds-up

September 18, 2024

The WIPO Academy in collaboration with the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (SAKPATENTI), held its first revamped Executive Training Program on Geographical Indications (GIs) in Tbilisi, Georgia from September 9 to 13, 2024. The program brought together government officials from 14 countries representing different regions to learn about the protection and use of GIs as a powerful tool to promote national products linked to origin.

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Participants of the first Executive Program on Geographical Indications pose for a group photo at the National IP Center of Georgia (SAKPATENTI) on September 9, 2024 (Image: SAKPATENTI/Paata Vardanashvili).

GI products are the significant expressions of the culture of countries and nations, reflecting the way of life and traditions of those people. The best way for protecting GIs is to support production and distribution of these products. What is economically beneficial for modernity is the most protected from oblivion and loss. The necessary condition for both production and protection of GI is training of qualified professionals in the field and raising awareness in the society. SAKPATENTI, in collaboration with WIPO, has successfully conducted international advanced training on GIs, helping participants from around the world enhance and deepen their knowledge of the subject.

Mr. Soso Giorgadze, Chairman of SAKPATENTI
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Mr. Soso Giorgadze, Chairman of SAKPATENTI delivering welcoming remarks at the Executive Training Program on GIs in Tbilisi, Georgia (Image: SAKPATENTI/Paata Vardanashvili).

The objective of this collaboration is to bring participants closer to the world of GIs and explore the rich history, journey and culture of GIs that Georgia has impressively cultivated in various domains including wines and cheese. GIs embody heritage and culture and are more than legal rights or branding tools. They connect producers, farmers and artisans to global value chains and thus spur development with spill-over effects in other sectors like tourism, gastronomy, and the green economy.

Mr. Victor Owade, Counsellor of the Academic Institutions and Executive Program of the WIPO Academy
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Mr. Victor Owade, Counsellor of the Academic Institutions and Executive Program of the WIPO
Academy delivering welcoming remarks at the Executive Training Program on GIs in Tbilisi, Georgia
(Image: SAKPATENTI/Paata Vardanashvili).

Participants benefited from of the unique opportunity to learn about the practical aspects of GI management. A particular focus was given to designing effective specification and control mechanisms for different categories of GIs and appellations of origin, and how to implement tailored collective management strategies to promote unique national products for sustainable jobs and development.

What did the program cover?

The program started with an online phase, which consisted of a special session of the WIPO Academy’s Advanced Distance Learning Course on Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (DL-302). Participants who successfully completed the DL-302 qualified for the in-person phase in Georgia.

The in-person phase featured practical sessions on:

  • The interface between GIs and trademarks;
  • The WIPO Lisbon System: Appellations of origin & GIs;
  • Georgia’s legal protection of GIs;
  • GIs for non-agricultural products; and
  • Collective management, branding and commercialization of registered GIs, including the case study of Tushetian Guda cheese
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Participants of the Executive Training Program on GIs embarking on a field visit to a local winery producing GI-protected wines (Image: SAKPATENTI/Paata Vardanashvili).

The program featured a learning journey to the National Wine Agency and a field visit to the Kakheti region known for its production of GI-protected wines to highlight the use and value of protected appellations of origins and GIs for local producers. On the last day of the program, participants presented their country reports of successful national experiences on GIs.

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Participants of the Executive Training Program on GIs embarking on a field visit to a local winery producing GI-protected wines (Image: SAKPATENTI/Paata Vardanashvili).

What our participants are saying?

The program offered valuable insights on trends and challenges related to GIs. It facilitated networking opportunities and hands-on learning. I will apply this knowledge to support development of national policies, educate and advocate for protection and promotion while conducting research on GIs.

Ms. Juliet Apolot, Uganda

GIs is an issue that I have been working on as a focal point of my office in the process of implementing protected GIs in my country. Since 2012, I have been accompanying the producer groups step by step in the preparation of the documentation for the submission of the application for GI protection for three products (cocoa, coffee and pepper). With the knowledge from the WIPO-SAKPATENTI Executive Training Program on GIs, I will contribute to the process of identifying and promoting future potential Protected GI / appellations of origin products in my country.

Elga Sousa Santiago, São Tomé and Príncipe

What is the Executive Training Program?

The WIPO Academy’s Executive Training Program was launched in 2024 to offer short and intensive practical skills-building opportunities for IP professionals interested in:

  • Leveraging IP as a tool for business growth;
  • Enhancing IP negotiation capabilities;
  • Building strong networks and partnerships across disciplines; and
  • Developing and protecting new ideas and technologies across multiple industries in various innovative and creative sectors.

Find out more

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