CLDP, in cooperation with the Georgian Copyright Association (GCA) and the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia “Sakpatenti”, held a two-day Workshop on Litigation and Adjudication of Copyright and Trademark Disputes in Batumi, Georgia from June 7-8, 2013 for 23 judges and 8 lawyers as well as 9 Sakpatenti and GCA officials. The participating lawyers and judges received targeted training, led by US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Judge Bernice B. Donald and Munich Intermediate Court of Appeals Judge Pichlmaier, in order to more fairly, efficiently, and effectively litigate and adjudicate intellectual property infringement cases.
 

Among other topics on the first day, the CLDP advisors discussed the definition of trademarks, the trademark registration process, non-monetary remedies available under US law, calculating damages under German law, the use of injunctions, and the process of determining monetary damages in Georgia, as no specific formula exists to calculate such damages. Participants and advisors also discussed the definition of a trademark in Georgia and Germany and the trademark registration process in Georgia and the US.  Topics on Day Two of the workshop included internet service provider liability, infringement actions by juveniles, a discussion of the Apple v. Samsung global litigation, industrial designs, and utility models. Throughout the two days, concepts and topics were addressed within the scope of 12 country-specific case studies provided and moderated by CLDP, Sakpatenti, and GCA which resulted in lively and engaged discussions.
 

On June 9, CLDP held a training for 25 journalists and members of the media on intellectual property rights protection with a focus on the impact of IPR on the economy, innovation, creativity, and culture. Judges Donald and Judge Pichlmaier presented basic concepts of copyright and trademark protection and conducted exercises on copyright, trademarks, and trade dress. Concepts were explained using fact patterns and exercises, which encouraged active participation from the participants.
 

This workshop will help Georgian judges and lawyers improve their ability to fairly, efficiently, and effectively litigate and adjudicate intellectual property infringement cases while the training for Georgian journalists and media will help build public awareness and understanding of the importance of IP protection.