Automatic
check
TM check
by a specialist
Report on
trademark check
Discount 10%
24 hours
Registering a trademark with the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (Sakpatenti) takes about 8–12 months if there are no oppositions or errors in the application. An expedited procedure can reduce the time to 3–6 months for an additional fee.
The deadline for filing an opposition is 3 months from the publication of the application in the official Sakpatenti Bulletin.
In Georgia, you can register word marks, figurative marks, combined marks, three-dimensional marks, sound marks, color marks, and holograms, provided they are distinctive. Marks contrary to public morality or state symbols are prohibited.
The certificate is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely every 10 years.
The owner has the exclusive right to use the mark commercially in Georgia, prohibit others from using similar marks, and transfer or license the trademark rights.
The filing fee is approximately $150–350 for one class of goods/services, including registration and publication fees. Expedited procedures or additional classes incur extra costs.
No, use is not mandatory, but non-use for 5 consecutive years after registration may lead to cancellation upon third-party request, as per Article 20 of the Trademarks Law.
If the trademark is not renewed within 10 years from the filing date, the registration is canceled. Reinstatement is possible within 6 months after the deadline by paying an additional fee.
Georgia, as a growing economy in the Caucasus region, presents many opportunities for businesses looking to expand into new markets. Its strategic location, skilled workforce, and favorable business climate make it an attractive option for international businesses. However, in order to secure your rights and protect your brand in Georgia, registering your trademark is essential.
This article will outline why trademark registration in Georgia is crucial, the process involved, and how ProfitMark can assist you in this process to ensure the protection and growth of your brand.
Protection Against Imitation and Unfair Competition
A registered trademark acts as a barrier to prevent unauthorized parties from using your brand or something too similar. In a competitive market, ensuring that no one can capitalize on your reputation and goodwill is crucial. Trademark registration in Georgia provides legal protection against copycats and competitors who might try to infringe upon your brand.
Exclusive Right to Use Your Brand
Once you register your trademark in Georgia, you are granted exclusive rights to use your trademark in connection with the goods or services it is associated with. This means that others are legally prohibited from using a mark that is identical or confusingly similar to yours, ensuring that your brand remains unique and protected in the market.
Increase in Company and Brand Value
A registered trademark is more than just a legal tool for protection. It is an asset that can increase the value of your company. As your brand grows in recognition, your trademark becomes a valuable resource that can enhance the reputation of your business. Additionally, a registered trademark is essential when looking for investors or planning to sell the business.
Licensing and Franchising Opportunities
Trademark registration can open up new opportunities for licensing or franchising. Once your brand is protected, you can enter into licensing agreements where others pay you to use your trademark, or you can franchise your business model to expand your reach. These business strategies can significantly increase your revenue streams.
Legal Advantage in Trademark Disputes
In the event of a trademark dispute, a registered trademark provides you with a significant legal advantage. It proves that you are the rightful owner of the trademark and can be used as evidence in any legal proceedings. In Georgia, registered trademarks are protected under national laws, and ownership can be easily enforced in court.
The process of registering a trademark in Georgia is a relatively straightforward but important legal procedure that involves several key steps. Below is an overview of the process:
Before submitting an application for trademark registration in Georgia, it is recommended to conduct a trademark name search to ensure that your desired trademark is unique and does not conflict with any existing trademarks. This search can be done through the trade mark office search to check if your trademark is already in use or if similar trademarks exist. Conducting this search helps to avoid potential conflicts and ensures that your application will not be rejected.
Once you’ve confirmed that your trademark is unique, the next step is to file the application with the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (SAKPATENTI). The application requires the following documents:
A clear representation of the tm logo or any other form of trademark.
A description of the goods or services associated with the trademark, classified according to the Nice Classification.
The full contact details of the applicant (individual or company).
Payment of the application fee, which depends on the number of classes and services included in the application.
Once your application is submitted, the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia (SAKPATENTI) will examine it to ensure that the trademark meets all the necessary legal requirements. This examination includes confirming that the trademark is unique, not too similar to existing trademarks, and that it falls within the appropriate class of goods or services. Typically, this process takes about two to four months.
If the trademark passes the examination, it will be published in the official trademark register. After publication, there is a two-month period during which third parties can file oppositions if they believe the trademark infringes on their existing rights. If no opposition is filed or if the issues are resolved in favor of the applicant, the trademark proceeds to registration.
After the opposition period concludes without issue, or after any disputes are resolved, the trademark will be officially registered, and the applicant will receive a registered trademark certificate. This confirms that the applicant is the legal owner of the trademark. The protection granted lasts for 10 years from the application filing date, and the trademark can be renewed indefinitely for additional 10-year periods.
The national trademark register maintained by SAKPATENTI is a public record that lists all trademarks that have been successfully registered in Georgia. This register includes important details such as the trademark owner, the goods or services associated with the trademark, and the status of the trademark. It is a valuable resource for verifying the status of your own trademark and checking other trademarks in the market.
While the trademark registration process in Georgia is relatively straightforward, there are several challenges you may face if you do not have professional support:
Incorrect Classification: If the goods or services associated with your trademark are not classified correctly, your trademark protection could be limited.
Failure to Identify Conflicting Trademarks: Without an adequate trademark name search, you may unknowingly infringe on an existing trademark, which can lead to delays or a rejection of your application.
Legal Challenges: If there are any oppositions or legal disputes, navigating the legal process without experience can lead to significant delays and additional costs.
ProfitMark offers comprehensive support for registering trademarks in Georgia, ensuring that your brand is fully protected and legally registered. Here’s how we can help:
Complete Support at Every Stage: From preparing the application to receiving your trademark certificate, we guide you through every step of the process.
Uniqueness Verification and Preliminary Search: We conduct thorough trademark name searches to ensure that your trademark is unique and will not conflict with existing marks.
Document Submission Without Physical Presence: You don’t need to be physically present in Georgia to submit your application. We handle the entire process remotely.
Legal Support in Case of Objections or Disputes: If any issues arise, we provide expert legal assistance to resolve any oppositions or disputes efficiently.
Transparent Pricing and Fixed Timelines: We offer clear pricing and guarantee that your trademark registration will be completed within the agreed timeline.
13+ Years of Experience in Trademark Registration: With extensive experience in helping businesses register trademarks in Georgia and around the world, we are well-versed in the complexities of trademark law.
Successful Cases in Over 30 Countries: We have a proven track record of successfully registering trademarks in over 30 countries.
International Team of Experts: Our team of trademark specialists is knowledgeable about both Georgian and international trademark laws, ensuring that your brand is protected wherever you do business.
Professional Approach for Every Client: We take the time to understand your business and tailor our services to meet your specific needs.
Online Service: Our streamlined online service allows you to handle everything remotely, making the process simple and convenient.
Guaranteed Quality of Service: We stand by our work and ensure that the trademark registration process is smooth and hassle-free.
Registering a trademark in Georgia is essential for protecting your brand, ensuring your legal rights, and enhancing your business’s reputation. With ProfitMark’s assistance, the trademark registration process will be clear, easy, and reliable.
Don’t delay the protection of your brand—contact ProfitMark today to get started on securing your trademark and expanding your business opportunities in Georgia!