Do I need to register copyright in Georgia?
No. Copyright arises when a work is created in a tangible form, with no registration needed. You can still deposit the work with Sakpatenti: the person named on the deposit certificate is presumed to be the author unless proved otherwise, which is useful evidence.
How long does trademark registration take in Georgia?
Usually about 11 to 12 months: formal examination within 1 month of filing, substantive examination within 6 months after that, publication within 1 month of a positive decision, and then a 3-month period for objections. An accelerated procedure shortens the examination to about 10 working days.
How long does a Georgian trademark last?
10 years from registration, renewable every 10 years without limit. The mark must be used: a registration can be challenged if the mark has not been in actual use for 5 continuous years.
Who owns work made by an employee or freelancer in Georgia?
Copyright in a work created as part of official duties or under a work order belongs to the employer or client, unless the agreement says otherwise. Agreements on creating a work must be in writing, so the paperwork matters.
Who owns a song: the writer, the label or the artist?
Usually several parties. The composition belongs to its authors, the recording to the phonogram producer, and performers hold their own rights in the performance. The contracts decide who controls what, and how royalties are split.
What happens if a licence does not say how long or where it applies?
With no term, the author can cancel after three years on six months' written notice. With no territory, the licence is valid only in Georgia.
Can a foreign company register a trademark in Georgia?
Yes, directly with Sakpatenti through a local representative, or by designating Georgia in an international registration under the Madrid Protocol. Priority from an earlier application in a Paris Convention country can be claimed within 6 months.
Can customs stop counterfeit goods in Georgia?
Yes. A right holder can apply to enter its rights in the customs register. The authority decides within one month, and suspected infringing goods can then be stopped at the border.
