Georgia is a WTO member and participates in international intellectual property agreements. Trademark registration is handled through the National Intellectual Property Center "Sakpatenti".
Registration Process
The registration process comprises several stages:
- Application to Sakpatenti.
- Formal examination.
- Substantive examination.
- Publication of the mark.
- Acceptance of claims and objections.
Standard registration takes approximately one year. Expedited registration: 10 business days.
International Registration
Georgia offers three routes for international trademark protection:
- Madrid Protocol — for marks intended for international markets.
- Paris Convention: 181 contracting parties according to WIPO.
- National filing at Sakpatenti — for protection within Georgia only.
Online Filing and Costs
Applications can be submitted online via the official Sakpatenti website, with a 20% discount on standard official fees for online submissions.
The total cost depends on the number of countries, the product/service classes (under the Nice Classification), and the registration period. We recommend a consultation for an accurate estimate.
What the Law on Trademarks sets out
The following are provisions of the Law of Georgia on Trademarks as consolidated on 12 December 2024:
- Application. Filed in Georgian. It states the applicant and their legal address, an image of the mark, the list of goods and services, and the representative's details if a representative files it (Article 9).
- Classes. Goods and services are classified under the international (Nice) classification, grouped by class with the class number, and specified clearly enough to show the scope of protection (Article 11-1).
- Publication and challenge. After a positive substantive examination, Sakpatenti publishes the application in the official bulletin within a month. Third parties may challenge it before the Chamber of Appeals within 3 months of publication (Articles 15 and 16).
- Term of protection. Registration is valid for 10 years from the date of registration with Sakpatenti and is renewed every 10 years with no limit on renewals (Article 20).
When registration is refused
Article 4 of the Law lists the absolute grounds for refusal. A mark is not registered if it:
- is not capable of distinguishing the goods or services
- merely describes the goods, their properties or purpose
- is a generic term for the goods
- contravenes public order or principles of morality
- is deceptive as to the properties, quality or origin of the goods
- reproduces state symbols, names of states or protected emblems
Some of these grounds can be overcome if the mark has acquired distinctiveness through use. That is why both the mark and the wording of the goods list are worth checking before filing.
How to keep the registration
The renewal application is filed and the fee paid during the last year of the registration's validity. If the deadline is missed, the fee can still be paid within six months after expiry, otherwise the registration is cancelled without the right to restore it (Article 20).
The mark has to be used. If it is not used in Georgia for the registered goods for a continuous period of 5 years, a court may cancel the registration at a third party's request. Cancellation is not allowed if use resumed before the request or if non-use was caused by circumstances beyond the holder's control (Article 27). More on the Sakpatenti procedure is in our article on trademark registration in Georgia.
FAQ
Can a non-resident register a trademark in Georgia?
A non-resident without a Georgian residence permit and without a locally registered legal entity cannot submit an application to Sakpatenti directly. These functions are entrusted to certified patent attorneys — we handle this on your behalf.
How long does registration take?
Standard procedure: approximately one year. Expedited registration: 10 business days.
Is international registration possible?
Yes. Three options are available: the Madrid Protocol, the Paris Convention, and a national filing at Sakpatenti. The choice depends on the geographic scope of protection needed.
Can I apply online?
Yes, through the official Sakpatenti website. Online submissions qualify for a 20% discount on official fees.
How much does trademark registration in Georgia cost?
The cost depends on the number of countries, product/service classes, and registration period. Contact us for a free consultation and an accurate cost estimate.
How long is a trademark registration valid?
10 years from the date of registration with Sakpatenti. It can be renewed every 10 years with no limit on renewals. The renewal application is filed during the last year of validity, and if the deadline is missed, a six-month grace period remains.
What happens if I do not use a registered mark?
If the mark is not used in Georgia for the registered goods for 5 continuous years, a court may cancel the registration at a third party's request. It will not be cancelled if use resumed before the request or if non-use was caused by circumstances beyond the holder's control.
Can I challenge someone else's application for a similar mark?
Yes. After the application is published in the Sakpatenti official bulletin, third parties may apply to the Chamber of Appeals within 3 months. The grounds are limited by law, including the absolute grounds for refusal and rights in earlier marks.
What language is the application filed in?
Georgian. The application contains the applicant's details, an image of the mark and the list of goods and services grouped by Nice classes. If a representative files it, their details are included too.