By Corrine Sukiennik
Georgia is more than just a hub for film, music, gaming and digital content; it’s a state that understands the business of creativity. Every October, thanks to a standing proclamation from the Governor’s office, Georgia formally recognizes Intellectual Property Month, celebrating the ideas, artistry and innovations that drive our state’s economy and cultural influence.
How It Started
In 2018, then-Governor Nathan Deal made history by declaring October as Intellectual Property Month, making Georgia the first state in the nation to dedicate a month to recognizing and promoting intellectual property (IP). Since then, Governor Brian Kemp has renewed the proclamation annually, keeping the spotlight on the vital connection between creativity and commerce.
This is more than symbolic. Intellectual property—patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets—forms the backbone of Georgia’s booming entertainment and creative industries. From music recorded in legendary studios, to blockbuster films shot in Atlanta, to esports tournaments streamed worldwide, IP is the currency that ensures creators can protect their work and profit from it.
Why It Matters for Georgia Entertainment
Georgia’s creative economy is no small player. The state ranks consistently among the top film production locations globally, is home to chart-topping musicians, award-winning authors, thriving game developers and a growing fashion and design scene. In all of these sectors, intellectual property isn’t just a legal concept; it’s the business model.
By dedicating a month to IP awareness, Georgia is sending a clear message: protecting creativity is essential to sustaining and growing the industries that make us a global entertainment powerhouse.
Powered by Partnerships
The Georgia Intellectual Property Alliance (GIPA), in collaboration with the United States Intellectual Property Alliance (USIPA) and the Global Intellectual Property Alliance (GLIPA), plays a central role in organizing IP Month programming. Throughout October, the state comes alive with events, from industry panels and legal workshops to student showcases and networking opportunities, designed to connect creators with the resources they need.
These aren’t just lawyer-heavy conferences; they’re spaces where filmmakers meet distributors, musicians learn about licensing, and game designers explore ways to protect their code and characters.
This Year
This year, Georgia will help kick off Global Intellectual Property Month Oct. 6–9 with a slate of events that bring together leaders from entertainment, technology, law and education. For those in the Georgia entertainment industry, it’s an open invitation to learn, network and position your work for lasting impact.
Final Cut
The Governor’s proclamation isn’t just a nod to policy—it’s a recognition of Georgia’s identity. We are a state where art meets enterprise, where innovation is a cultural export, and where protecting creative work is seen as essential to future growth.
So, as the cameras roll, the tracks drop, and the game servers light up this October, remember: your creativity is your business; and in Georgia, the business of creativity is worth celebrating all month long.
For more information about GIPA: https://www.gaipalliance.org/gipa-ip-create-protect-enable
Corrine Sukiennik is the executive director of the Georgia Intellectual Property Alliance (GIPA).
