"With the ratification of the validation agreement, the negotiations between the European Patent Office (EPO) and the National Intellectual Property Center of Georgia - Sakpatenti will be completed in 2012 on the validation of European patents on the territory of Georgia.
The European Patent Office (EPO) is the second largest public service organization in Europe. The EPO examines patent applications and issues European patents; its activities are aimed at promoting innovation, competitiveness and economic growth across Europe. Currently, the European Patent Office (EPO) has 38 member countries, which includes all 28 member states of the European Union, as well as non-EU countries.
Signing a validation agreement with the European Patent Office (EPO) will be an important tool for the further development of the patent system in Georgia. This agreement will strengthen the protection of industrial property and contribute to the achievement of the goals of the Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia and the gradual integration of the Georgian economy into the EU market.
It should be noted that the validation increases the possibility of Georgia joining the EPO, which will further benefit the country.
The amendments to be made to the Georgian Law on Patent aim to fulfill the obligation necessary for the entry into force of the validation agreement and bring the Georgian Law on Patent into compliance with the European Patent Convention (EPC), the legislation of the EU countries and the International Agreement on Patent Law (PLT).  
Currently, it is possible to obtain a patent for an invention in Georgia in two ways: by submitting an application directly to Sakpatenti and by submitting an international application filed in accordance with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in the national phase in Georgia. Based on the amendments, the law defines the third, faster and cheaper way of obtaining a patent for an invention in Georgia - submitting a European patent application and requesting its validation in Georgia. The mentioned way will make it easier for the foreign applicant to obtain patent protection in Georgia according to the European standard, which will be a positive signal for investors.