The Parliament of Georgia has approved, at third reading, amendments to the Law of Georgia “On Copyright and Related Rights.” The draft law was prepared by the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia, Sakpatenti, and is aimed at strengthening copyright protection mechanisms in the online environment and aligning Georgian legislation with international standards.
The amendments introduce, for the first time, clear rules governing the liability and exemption from liability of intermediary service providers, including internet service providers. These changes enable authors, performers, and database owners to protect their rights online in a faster and more effective manner.
A key element of the reform is the introduction of the Notice and Takedown mechanism. Under this procedure, a rights holder may submit a written request for the removal of unlawfully distributed content or for restricting access to it. Intermediary service providers are required to respond within 24 hours.
The amendments are intended to enhance the level of protection of copyright and related rights, reduce online piracy, and foster the development of a legal digital market in Georgia. They are also expected to encourage innovation and creative activity.
It is further noted that in recent years Sakpatenti has comprehensively reformed the system of copyright and related rights management in line with best international practices. These reforms include the introduction of mandatory state accreditation for collective management organizations, effective mechanisms for protecting economic rights, and transparent and fair rules for the collection and distribution of royalties.
Strengthening the copyright and related rights protection framework forms an integral part of Georgia’s broader intellectual property strategy and serves as a foundation for the country’s cultural, economic, and innovation-driven development.