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Copyright Registration

Does Georgian copyright registration protect my work internationally?

Yes, Georgia is a signatory to the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. This means that copyright established in Georgia is automatically recognized and protected in over 179 other member countries (including the US, UK, and EU states) without the need for separate registration in each country.

Can a foreigner register copyright in Georgia?

Absolutely. Foreign citizens and companies enjoy the same rights regarding copyright registration as Georgian entities. You can deposit your work with Sakpatenti regardless of your residency or citizenship. This is often a strategic step for expats creating software, books, or art while living in Georgia.

What is the difference between trademark and copyright registration?

Copyright protects creative works like books, code, music, and art from being copied. Trademark registration protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans used in commerce. While you can copyright the artistic design of a logo, to protect the brand name itself, you need a separate trademark registration.

How do I protect my software code through registration?

Software is protected as a literary work in Georgia. To register, you submit the source code (or portions of it) to Sakpatenti. The registry keeps the code confidential while issuing a certificate that proves you possessed this specific code on a specific date, which is crucial evidence if someone steals or replicates your software.

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Copyright Registration and Deposition Services in Georgia

Although copyright arises automatically from the moment a work is created, its official registration (deposition) is critically important. Without registration, in case of a dispute, it is difficult for an author to prove they created the work and when. In Georgia, copyright registration is handled by "Sakpatenti." A deposition certificate is irrefutable legal evidence (Prima Facie Evidence) confirming the presumption of authorship. This is especially important for protecting software, literary works, music, and design.

Legal.ge offers a simplified and professional copyright registration service. Our lawyers ensure proper application preparation, work classification, and submission to Sakpatenti. We help both individual authors and companies build their intellectual property portfolios.

What Does Copyright Registration Service Cover?

Our service covers the entire registration process:

  • Work Audit: Determining if the object is subject to copyright protection (ideas are not registered, only expressions).
  • Application Preparation: Filling out Sakpatenti forms, preparing an abstract or copy of the work according to requirements.
  • Software Registration: Depositing Source Code under a special protection regime.
  • Pseudonym Registration: Protecting the author's identity confidentiality during the registration process.
  • International Protection: Consultation on how Georgian registration applies in 179 Berne Convention member countries.
  • Transfer of Rights Registration: If a work is sold, registering the transfer agreement in the registry.

Common Situations and Scenarios

A typical scenario is script or book theft. An author sent a script to a studio, which rejected it but later filmed a movie with an identical plot. If the author had deposited the script with Sakpatenti before sending it, they have indisputable proof of the date, guaranteeing victory in court.

Another scenario is computer software. A developer created an app. An investor requires IP rights to be secured. Depositing the code increases the startup's value and credibility in the investor's eyes.

Georgian Legislation and Legal Framework

Registration relies on the Law on Copyright and Related Rights. Georgia is a member of the Berne Convention, meaning a work protected in Georgia is automatically protected almost worldwide. Deposition with Sakpatenti is a voluntary but highly recommended procedure.

Process of Receiving Services

The client provides a copy of the work (text, audio, photo). The lawyer prepares the application and submits it to Sakpatenti. The process takes about 1 month. Upon successful registration, the client receives an official certificate. This certificate is a powerful weapon against any infringer.

Register today to protect tomorrow. Legal.ge offers fast and reliable service.

Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?

Registration requires knowledge of bureaucratic procedures. Our lawyers work with Sakpatenti daily and know how to avoid application flaws.

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