On October 22–24, 2026, the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) facilitated an expert-led advanced course on intellectual property (IP) rights for lawyers representing Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Germany at the Georgian Bar Association in Tbilisi. This in-person component complements a four-part online course delivered by Cornell University through its e-learning platform.

The program underscores the importance of strong intellectual property rights protection and enforcement in fostering innovation, promoting economic growth, and strengthening the business environment. Effective IP frameworks provide businesses and individuals with the legal tools to protect their inventions, creative works, trademarks, and other valuable intangible assets. Consistent and transparent enforcement also helps deter counterfeiting, piracy, and other forms of IP infringement, building investor confidence, supporting fair competition, and encouraging research, development, and commercial investment.

Effective IP protection and enforcement in international markets are essential to advancing U.S. government priorities and safeguarding American commercial interests. When American companies can reliably protect and enforce their IP rights abroad, they are better positioned to enter new markets, compete on a level playing field, establish commercial partnerships, and generate revenue. Stronger IP protections can also support U.S. innovation, exports, job creation, and economic competitiveness while reinforcing the rules-based international trading system.

The participation of legal professionals from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Germany provides an important regional and international dimension to this initiative. Bringing together practitioners from the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Europe creates opportunities to exchange legal expertise, share best practices, strengthen professional networks, and develop a more consistent understanding of international IP standards. These connections can help facilitate cross-border cooperation, improve the predictability of legal protections for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions, and support stronger commercial relationships throughout the Eurasia region.

Lawyers who successfully complete the comprehensive curriculum by December 2026 will be equipped with advanced knowledge and practical skills to advise clients on IP rights protection and enforcement, including matters affecting U.S. businesses operating in the region. By strengthening the capacity of legal professionals across these markets, the program contributes to a more transparent, reliable, and commercially favorable environment for American companies and their regional partners.