The qualification exams for patent trustees were held in Georgia for the first time since 2014. Soso Giorgadze, the chairman of the National Center for Intellectual Property of Georgia – “Sakpatent“, officially handed over the certificates to the successful candidates.
In the qualifying exams for patent trustees, which were held in two stages, a total of 50 people participated, of whom 28 candidates successfully passed both stages of the exam.
Notably, the qualification exams are an important part of the fundamental reform of the Institute of Patent Trustees. In its turn, the reform aims to modernize the Patent Institute, develop the profession, and bring it into compliance with international standards. In this view, the new law “Georgian Patent Trustees” adopted by the Georgian Parliament on May 15, 2024, prepared by the Sakpatent, is particularly important.
The reform has introduced a new standard for the Patent Qualification Examination, which will contribute to deepening the patent professionals’ professional knowledge and development of appropriate skills, attracting new professionals, and, in general, building a high-quality professional body. Based on the new law, two specializations have been introduced in the field of general and trademark law.
Practically, this is a brand new, modern institute that will focus on professional development, innovation implementation, and better protection of intellectual property owners. In addition, increasing credibility in the national intellectual property protection system will make the investment environment in Georgia even more attractive to foreign investors.
It should be noted that in 2023, by ratifying the validation agreement between the Government of Georgia and the European Patent Organization (EPO), the recognition of European patents was implemented in our country, facilitating foreign applicants to obtain patent protection in Georgia.
It is important that the qualifying exam for patent trustees was held in cooperation with the Georgian Justice Education Center, and the exam assignments were developed by foreign and Georgian experts on the recommendation of WIPO and EPO, which provided that the exam assignments are harmonized with international practice and are in compliance with national legislation.
Chairman of the Patent Soso Giorgadze addressed the patent candidates at the ceremony of handing out certificates, who emphasized in his speech the special role of the Patent Institute in ensuring the effective functioning of the intellectual property protection system and, at the same time, the importance of enabling young professionals to obtain patent status.
Also, Gvantsa Varamashvili, the director of the Justice Education Center, congratulated the candidates for the successful passing of the exam.
