Registration of a Trademark in Georgia: Legal Protection, Advantages and Trends
23 Аpril 2025
Shalva Giorgadze, Head of the Department of Property Relations
Introduction
A trademark is not just a logo or a name, but a means of legal protection for a business and an essential intangible asset. Its registration allows a company’s products to be distinguished from those of competitors, strengthens its legal position, and creates an asset that can be sold, licensed, or used in transactions.
In recent years, Georgia has established itself as a jurisdiction with a modern system of intellectual property protection. The simplicity of procedures, accessibility of the administrative process, and effective judicial protection make the country attractive for both local and international businesses.
In recent years, Georgia has established itself as a jurisdiction with a modern system of intellectual property protection. The simplicity of procedures, accessibility of the administrative process, and effective judicial protection make the country attractive for both local and international businesses.
1. Legal Basis
The registration of trademarks in Georgia is governed by the Law "On Trademarks," as well as a number of international agreements, including the Paris Convention and the Madrid Protocol. Georgia is a participant in the international system, which allows the use of local registration to protect a trademark in more than 100 countries.
A key role in the registration process is played by "Sakpatenti'"(the National Intellectual Property Center). It provides examination, maintains the register, publishes data, and grants access to the open database of registered trademarks.
The legislation also provides for the possibility of filing objections, appeals, and judicial protection, making the system transparent and predictable.
A key role in the registration process is played by "Sakpatenti'"(the National Intellectual Property Center). It provides examination, maintains the register, publishes data, and grants access to the open database of registered trademarks.
The legislation also provides for the possibility of filing objections, appeals, and judicial protection, making the system transparent and predictable.
2. What can be registered as a trademark?
A trademark is a designation capable of distinguishing the goods and/or services of one company from another. These can be words, images, shapes, sounds, color combinations, and their combinations. The main requirement is the presence of distinctiveness and the absence of infringement of the rights of others.
3. Cases in Which Trademark Registration is Not Possible
Trademark registration will be refused if the trademark:
- is descriptive or commonly used;
- misleads the consumer;
- violates moral standards or public order;
- coincides with existing registered rights, including trademarks, industrial designs, or geographical indications.
- Therefore, before filing an application, it is important to ensure that the trademark is unique and complies with legal criteria.
4. The Importance of Representative Participation
Although foreign applicants can file applications independently, in most cases, the involvement of a professional representative significantly increases the chances of successful registration.
A lawyer or patent attorney:
• Conducts a preliminary search for similarities;
• Helps avoid formal errors;
• Interacts with the office;
• Assists the client in case of objections or in court.
All documents are submitted in the Georgian language, which makes legal support especially relevant for non-residents.
Registration is only the first step. The law grants the owner the exclusive right to use the mark and protect it from infringements.
An infringement is considered, in particular:
• Use of similar marks without the owner’s consent;
• Sale of counterfeit products;
• Unauthorized use of the trademark in advertising or documentation.
A lawyer or patent attorney:
• Conducts a preliminary search for similarities;
• Helps avoid formal errors;
• Interacts with the office;
• Assists the client in case of objections or in court.
All documents are submitted in the Georgian language, which makes legal support especially relevant for non-residents.
Registration is only the first step. The law grants the owner the exclusive right to use the mark and protect it from infringements.
An infringement is considered, in particular:
• Use of similar marks without the owner’s consent;
• Sale of counterfeit products;
• Unauthorized use of the trademark in advertising or documentation.
5. Rights of the Trademark Owner
The owner of a registered trademark has the right to demand:
• cessation of the use of the mark;
• compensation for damages;
• seizure of counterfeit products;
• publication of the court decision.
In cases of systematic violations, criminal liability is also provided. Georgian courts demonstrate consistent practice in protecting trademark rights, including cases involving international brands.
• cessation of the use of the mark;
• compensation for damages;
• seizure of counterfeit products;
• publication of the court decision.
In cases of systematic violations, criminal liability is also provided. Georgian courts demonstrate consistent practice in protecting trademark rights, including cases involving international brands.
6. International Interest and Statistics
According to ‘'Sakpatenti'' (National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia), thousands of new trademarks are registered in Georgia each year. Over the past five years, the number of applications has increased by 30%. More than 60% are submitted by foreign applicants — mainly from the CIS, Turkey, China, and Israel.
The expedited registration procedure is often used — especially when entering the market or participating in tenders.
Among the most popular categories are food products, beverages, cosmetics, IT, and online services. Georgia also actively protects its national brands and geographical indications, such as Saperavi, Suluguni, Khachapuri, etc.
The expedited registration procedure is often used — especially when entering the market or participating in tenders.
Among the most popular categories are food products, beverages, cosmetics, IT, and online services. Georgia also actively protects its national brands and geographical indications, such as Saperavi, Suluguni, Khachapuri, etc.
Conclusion
Georgia offers an efficient trademark registration and protection system that complies with international standards. This makes the country a convenient and advantageous jurisdiction for the protection of intellectual property.
Trademark registration is not just a formality but a strategic investment in business. Professional legal support helps minimize risks, speed up the process, and ensure reliable legal protection.
The Just Advisors team supports clients at all stages — from analyzing the designation to obtaining the certificate and protecting interests in court.
Trademark registration is not just a formality but a strategic investment in business. Professional legal support helps minimize risks, speed up the process, and ensure reliable legal protection.
The Just Advisors team supports clients at all stages — from analyzing the designation to obtaining the certificate and protecting interests in court.
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MARIA GUSEINOVA
Leading Manager of Commercial Department
Leading Manager of Commercial Department