In August 2025, Georgia took a significant step in strengthening the protection of its geographical indications (GIs) and appellations of origin (AOs) at the international level. Following parliamentary ratification on 18 March 2025, Georgia deposited its instrument of accession to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on 14 July 2025. The treaty will take effect in Georgia on 14 October 2025.

By joining the Geneva Act, Georgian producers will be able to secure international protection for their recognized regional products through a single application and one set of fees, simplifying the process and reducing costs.

The Geneva Act, adopted in 2015, complements the Lisbon Agreement of 1958 to form the Lisbon System, which facilitates the international registration and protection of AOs and GIs. With Georgia’s accession, the system now covers 73 countries, offering broader protection for distinctive regional brands and contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and economic growth