Georgia has introduced significant updates to its patent application procedures under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), effective January 2025. These changes streamline the process for both domestic and international applicants while ensuring compliance with global intellectual property standards.

Non-resident applicants or those without a registered legal address in Georgia must now appoint a local patent attorney to represent them before the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (Sakpatenti). This ensures effective legal representation throughout the application process. A power of attorney must be submitted within two months of filing the request to enter the national phase, as Georgia does not waive this requirement, even for withdrawn applications.

The deadline for entering the national phase remains 31 months from the priority date. If missed, applicants may request restoration within two months of resolving the delay or up to 12 months after the 31-month period, whichever is sooner. Applications may initially be filed in a foreign language, but a Georgian translation must be submitted within two months. If the applicant is not the inventor, proof of rights to the invention must also be provided within the same timeframe.

Fees for substantive examination depend on the type of application. Standard patents require payment of approx. EUR 290 for up to 10 claims, with an additional charge of approx. EUR 29 per extra claim. For utility models, the fee is approx. EUR 145 for up to 10 claims, plus approx. EUR 15 for each additional claim. Applications exceeding 30 pages incur a supplementary fee of approx. EUR 3 per page.

These updates reflect Georgia’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual property framework and aligning its procedures with international best practices. By improving clarity and efficiency, the new rules provide greater legal certainty for businesses and inventors seeking patent protection in Georgia.

If you have any inquiries regarding intellectual property matters in Georgia, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Natali NADOEVI, S&O IP Georgia, IP Associate