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Copyright Enforcement

How effective are raids against counterfeiters in Georgia?

Raids can be highly effective, especially for physical goods like electronics, clothing, or software. Georgian law enforcement acts on well-substantiated complaints. We coordinate with the financial police or investigative bodies to conduct raids, seize counterfeit inventory, and secure evidence. This immediate physical removal of goods disrupts the infringer's business significantly.

Can I enforce my copyright against an entity with no physical address?

Online infringers often hide their location. In such cases, we use digital investigation techniques (WHOIS analysis, server tracing, payment gateway inquiries) to identify the operator. If they remain anonymous, we target the intermediaries—ISPs, hosting providers, and domain registrars—to disable their infrastructure, effectively enforcing your rights without needing to physically serve the infringer initially.

What is the role of Customs in copyright enforcement?

The Georgian Revenue Service maintains an Intellectual Property Registry. Rights holders can register their IP there. Once registered, customs officers are authorized to suspend the release of goods suspected of being counterfeit for up to 10 working days. This gives us time to inspect the goods and initiate legal proceedings to have them destroyed before they enter the market.

Do I need to be in Georgia to enforce my rights?

No, you do not need to be physically present. You can grant us a Power of Attorney (PoA). We will act as your legal representative in all interactions with customs, police, courts, and infringing parties. We handle the entire enforcement process, from detection to the destruction of illegal goods, on your behalf.

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Copyright Enforcement and Protection Services

Owning copyright is not enough if it is not effectively enforced. Enforcement involves active measures to detect, stop, and hold infringers accountable. This process covers both the online space (pirate sites, social media) and the physical market (counterfeit discs, books, merchandise). Copyright enforcement in Georgia is complex and requires the involvement of courts, customs, and law enforcement agencies.

Legal.ge offers strategic copyright enforcement services. Our team works proactively: we don't wait until the damage becomes irreversible. Our methods include monitoring, raids (with police), stopping counterfeits at the customs border, and court injunctions. We protect your intellectual assets from devaluation.

What Does Copyright Enforcement Service Cover?

Our service acts as a comprehensive protection mechanism:

  • Online Monitoring and Takedown: Scanning the internet with specialized tools and promptly removing illegal content via ISPs and hosting providers.
  • Customs Registry Registration: Registering IP objects with the Customs Department to automatically detain suspicious goods at the border.
  • Test Purchases and Investigation: Collecting evidence (Trap purchase) in physical stores to identify counterfeit products.
  • Administrative and Criminal Prosecution: Filing complaints with investigative bodies to initiate criminal cases (for large-scale infringements).
  • Civil Litigation: Filing lawsuits for damages and the destruction of infringing products.
  • Negotiation with Infringers: Effective communication to convert infringers into legal licensees and recover damages voluntarily.

Common Situations and Scenarios

A typical scenario involves pirate websites illegally distributing movies or music. A lawyer contacts not only the site administrator but also advertisers and payment processors to cut off the site's financial source. This is the "Follow the money" strategy.

Another scenario is counterfeit import. Fake toys with popular cartoon characters enter the market. Due to registration in the Customs Registry, customs officers stop the cargo and contact the rights holder's lawyer. The lawyer confirms the forgery, and the cargo is destroyed.

Georgian Legislation and Legal Framework

Enforcement mechanisms are provided by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights, the Civil Procedure Code (provisional measures), and the Customs Code (border protection). Article 189 of the Criminal Code provides for liability for copyright infringement.

Process of Receiving Services

The client provides information on rights and suspected infringements. Legal.ge develops an enforcement strategy. We negotiate or initiate legal proceedings. Response to online infringements occurs within 24-48 hours. For physical infringements, operational measures are planned. The result is a clean market and protected revenue.

Do not allow piracy. Act decisively with Legal.ge.

Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?

Copyright enforcement requires speed and technological knowledge. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers experienced in Anti-Piracy campaigns and close cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

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