In the result of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), administered by the World Trade Organization, having recognized the protection of geographical indications for agricultural products, geographical indications of origin are for the first time afforded international protection as a separate branch of intellectual property.
It serves to protect authentic products, and eliminate the unfair competition and misleading of consumers as to the true place of origin.
Protection of this property is of urgent importance as far as distinguished Georgian brands of wine, mineral water, or other food products are frequently misappropriated, especially within the post-soviet zone including Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and Eastern Europe.
Moreover, registration of the entire intellectual property of Georgia is essential to be competitive at the international market as well as to promote quality in the food chain and stimulate value in sustainable rural development.
Currently, around 3000 agriculture products have been registered for protection in the EU and, based on the agreement, 18 Georgian wines will be added to the list.